April showers bring — flash floods. The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency advises the Commonwealth's residents to plan ahead to prevent damage and danger for the spring season.
PEMA Chief Deputy Director, Robert Full, says 18 people died last year because of historical amounts of rainfall that turns into flash floods.
"It's just so critical that our residents take seriously, just for a few moments, how important it is to be prepared," Full said.
He adds that making an emergency plan is as simple as sitting down at the dinner table and mapping out where to go during a severe weather event. PEMA also advises residents to have an emergency kit including things like flashlights, extra batteries, and money.
Full notes that the difference between a flood watch and a flood warning is important. A flood watch is a notification that a flood may occur. A flood warning, however, means that the flooding has already started.
Flash flooding and severe rainfall is not the only thing to be watchful for: Full adds that tornados also come with the spring season.
More information about emergency plans and kits can be found at readypa.org.
