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FLOOD AFTER FIRE Did you know that wildfires dramatically alter the terrain and increase the risk of floods? Reduce your risk. The time to buy flood insurance is now. Contact your local insurance agent for more information or visit the National Flood Insurance Program at www.fema.gov/national- flood-insurance-program During normal conditions, vegetation helps absorb rainwater. But after an intense wildfire, burned vegetation and charred soil form a water repellent layer, blocking water absorption. During the next rainfall, water bounces off of the soil. And as a result, properties located below or downstream of the burn areas are at an increased risk for flooding. Hea av vy y R Ra a ai i n ns s Exce essi iv ve e a am mo ou un nt ts s o of f r ra ain nfa al ll l c ca an n h ha ap pp pe en n throu ug gh ho ou ut t t th he e y ye ea ar r . . Pro op per r t ti ie es s d di ir re ec ct tl ly y affe ec ct te ed d b by y fi fir re es s a an nd d tho os se e l lo oc ca at te ed d b be el lo ow w or r d do ow wn ns st tr re ea am m o of f b bu ur rn n a ar re ea as s a ar re e m mo os st t a at t r r ri is sk k f fo or r fl flo oo od d din ng g. Degree of Land Slope Higher degrees of land slope speed up water flow and increase flood risk. Fl ash Fl oods Intense rainfall can flood low lying areas in less than six hours. Flash floods roll boulders, tear out trees and destroy buildings and bridges. Mudflows Rivers of liquid and flowing mud are caused by a combination of brush loss and subsequent heavy rains. Rapid snowmelt can also trigger mudflows.
