Are you at risk?

Flooding occurs when water overflows into land areas that are normally dry. Flooding can be only a few inches to several feet of water, or can submerge houses and buildings.
Floods are one of the most common natural disasters in the U.S., and can happen nearly anywhere. Areas at greatest risk of flooding are often low-lying, close to water, or downstream from dams. Even small streams, creek beds, and drains can overflow and cause significant flooding.
Different regions of the country are at greater risk of flooding during certain times of the year. For example, coastal areas are at risk of flooding during hurricane season, and the Midwestern states are at risk during heavy spring rains.
Flooding has many possible causes including thunderstorms and heavy rain, rapid snow melt, hurricanes, tropical storms, or tsunamis.
Flash floods are floods that develop within 6 hours, and are usually caused by extremely heavy rain. Dam failures or ice jams may also cause flash flooding.

How will you be alerted of a flood?

Flood Watch: Conditions are favorable for potential flooding. Be Prepared!
Flash Flood Watch: Conditions are favorable for potential flash flooding. Be Prepared!
Flood Warning: Flooding is occurring or will soon occur in the area. Take Action!
Flash Flood Warning: Flash flooding is occurring or will soon occur in the area. Take Action!

Before a Flood

Make a plan for evacuating and sheltering (Step 1), develop a family communications plan (Step 3), and build an emergency supply kit (Step 5).
Assess the structure of your home. Construct barriers to stop water from entering, seal walls in basements, and install check valves in sewer traps.
Be aware of potential flooding during storms and periods of heavy rain. Stay tuned into local weather updates.
Prepare to evacuate during a flood or flash flood watch. Fill up your car's gas tank, bring outdoor furniture and loose objects inside, unplug electrical appliances and move to higher locations, and secure valuables in high places in your home. Make sure your cell phone is fully charged.

National Flood Insurance Program

You may want to consider flood insurance if you live in an area prone to severe flooding. The National Flood Insurance Program, managed through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), provides affordable insurance to property owners to help reduce the economic impact of flooding and assist recovery efforts. Visit the National Flood Insurance Program website for more information about buying a flood insurance policy.

During a Flood

Monitor the TV, radio, or internet for weather updates and announcements from authorities.
Shelter in place if you are not in an area that is recommended to evacuate. Turn off utilities if instructed to do so, and do not use appliance that have been exposed to water.
Evacuate during a flood warning if you are advised to do so. Immediately seek higher ground in the event of a flash flood warning.
Avoid floodwater, if possible, as it may be contaminated, electrically charged, or hiding debris. If you must walk through floodwater to evacuate, use a stick to check the ground ahead of you for firmness and debris.
Stay away from moving water. Only 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and just 1 foot of fast-moving water can sweep away a vehicle.
Be aware of electrical hazards. Do not enter rooms if water is covering electrical outlets or if electrical cords and appliances are submerged under water.

After a Flood

Do not reenter buildings until local authorities indicate it is safe to do so. Be aware of structural damage when entering buildings, and contact an electrician if the electricity has not been turned off.
Use caution when driving in areas where floodwater has receded, leaving weakened roadways and bridges.
Contact your insurance company about flood damage to your home and property.
Do not drink or cook with tap water until local authorities indicate it is safe to do so. A boil water order may be instated after a flood.
Clean and disinfect everything that got wet in the flood, and repair damaged sewer systems to prevent further contamination.
Find more information about drinking water safety, utilities, and cleaning up mold and flood water in the Special Considerations: Home section.

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