Floods

This information comes from Ready.gov and Weather.gov.

Flooding is a temporary overflow of water onto land that’s normally dry. Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States. Failing to evacuate flooded areas or entering flood waters can lead to injury or death.

Floods may:

Be the result from rain, snow, coastal storms, storm surges, and overflows of dams and other water systems.
Develop slowly or quickly. Flash floods can come with no warning.
Cause outages, disrupt transportation, damage buildings, and create landslides.

If you’re under a flood warning:

Find safe shelter right away.
Don’t walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. Turn Around. Don’t Drown!
Remember, just six inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
Stay off bridges over fast-moving water.
Depending on the type of flooding:
- Evacuate if told to do so.
- Move to higher ground or a higher floor.
- Stay where you are.

Source: Ready.gov

Emergency Preparedness

Fire Safety

Natural Disasters

Helpful Links

Preparing for a Flood

Know Your Risk for Floods

Visit FEMA Flood Map Service Center to know the types of flood risk in your area. Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.

Purchase Flood Insurance

Purchase or renew a flood insurance policy. Homeowners insurance policies don’t cover flooding. It typically takes up to 30 days for a policy to go into effect, so the time to buy is well before a disaster. Get flood coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Preparing for a Flood

Make a plan for your household, including your pets, so you and your family know what to do, where to go, and what you’ll need to protect yourselves from flooding. Learn and practice evacuation routes, shelter plans, and flash flood response. Gather supplies, including nonperishable foods, cleaning supplies, and water for several days, in case you must leave immediately or if services are cut off in your area.

In Case of Emergency

Keep important documents in a waterproof container. Create password-protected digital copies. Protect your property. Move valuables to higher levels. Declutter drains and gutters. Install check valves. Consider a sump pump with a battery.

Source: Ready.gov

Source: Ready.gov

Staying Safe During a Flood

Evacuate immediately, if told to evacuate. Never drive around barricades. Local responders use them to safely direct traffic out of flooded areas.
Contact your healthcare provider if you’re sick or need medical attention. Wait for further care instructions and shelter in place, if possible. If you’re experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.
Listen to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions regarding flooding.
Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. Turn Around. Don’t Drown!
Stay off bridges over fast-moving water. Fast-moving water can wash bridges away without warning.
Stay inside your car if it’s trapped in rapidly moving water. Get on the roof if water is rising inside the car.
Get to the highest level if trapped in a building. Only get on the roof if necessary, and once there, signal for help. Don’t climb into a closed attic, where you can get trapped by rising floodwater.

Staying Safe After a Flood

Pay attention to authorities for information and instructions. Return home only when authorities say it’s safe.
Avoid driving, except in emergencies.
Wear heavy work gloves, protective clothing, and boots during cleanup, and use appropriate face coverings or masks if cleaning mold or other debris.
People with asthma and other lung conditions and/or immune suppression shouldn’t enter buildings with indoor water leaks or mold growth that can be seen or smelled. Children shouldn’t take part in disaster cleanup work.
Be aware that snakes and other animals may be in your house.
Be aware of the risk of electrocution. Don’t touch electrical equipment if it’s wet or if you’re standing in water. Turn off the electricity to prevent electric shock if it’s safe to do so.
Avoid wading in floodwater, which can be contaminated and contain dangerous debris. Underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water.
Use a generator or other gasoline-powered machinery ONLY outdoors and away from windows.