A constitution for personal flood safety

Fresh water flooding (flash, areal, river) continues to lead all United States weather hazards in loss of life and property damage. Moreover, flood risk is increasing with explosive population growth in tropical cyclone prone areas along the East and Gulf Coasts, and in the flash flood prone areas of Texas and the Desert Southwest. Technological, educational, and policy initiatives may help reduce flood risks. However, the core issue is personal accountability and decision making before and during flood events. The year 2007 marked the 220th anniversary of the U.S. Constitution, but also a record year of flood deaths in Texas, and significant flood damage and deaths in many parts of the country. Thus, the timing seems right for a new approach to personal flood safety, based on the five main principles in the preamble of the U.S. Constitution: 1. establish justice; 2. ensure domestic tranquility; 3. provide for the common defense; 4. promote the general welfare; 5. secure the blessings of liberty. The Constitution for Personal Flood Safety is a complete, easy-to-implement, and low cost program that essentially eliminates the risk to life and property from flooding.

Note: These views are the author's and do not represent the policy or views of NOAA or the National Weather Service.