Flood prevention and mitigation of the consequences
Although floods are initially caused by nature, there are things that we humans can do to help prevent and make sure that they are not devastating. If you are planning on building a new home, you should take into to consideration not building on an active flood plain. If there is a big storm or flood warning for some apparent reason, make sure that all your storm drains are clear of leaves and any other substances blocking the storm drain. If all else fails you should put down sandbags in front of your house to prevent the water from coming in. Last but not least if there is a possibility of flood from the river or a lake, it is possible to build up the bank so that it will hold more water.
The goverment is attempting to reduce flooding by building dams and levees in flood-prone areas. Levees are artificially raised riverbanks, and dams are walls to block water. Levees can only go so high, and are easily overflowed in large floods. Dams are very effective in preventing floods but change river direction and take water away from some areas. In addition to controlling floods, dams can provide hydroelectric power. One great example of all this is the Hoover dam in Nevada . The dam controls floods, regulates the direction of the Colorado River, and provides power to nearby Las Vegas (Department of the Interior).
City Maintenance commissions continue to improve the drainage in towns, especially in the roads. Road flooding is one of the first thing that happens in most floods, and obliviously cuts off the major mode of transportation for most people. Places below sea level need to be especially vigilant and prepared for floods, because they will happen. people should be careful about driving in floods because it is easy for your engine to flood and strand you on a flooded highway. If you live in a low area you should make sure your house is reasonably flood-proof, and no matter where you live you should have flood insurance.