Flooding is a temporary overflow of water onto land that is 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.
Be Prepared
- Check FEMAs flood map service center to know the flood risk in your area
- Purchase flood insurance
- Check with your insurance provider, or get flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program
- Review your family’s emergency plan and be sure to include your pets
- Practice evacuation routes in case you need to leave the area quickly
- Keep important documents in waterproof storage containers and keep digital, password-protected copies whenever possible
- Store valuables off the floor or on higher levels.
- Prepare your home
- Declutter drains and gutters
- Install check valves
- Verify your sump pump is working properly and consider a sump pump with a battery
- If sand bags are being distributed in your area use them to cover any points water could enter the home.
During a Flood
People and cars can be swept away or stalled even in seemingly small amounts of water. Cars can stall in as little as 6 inches of water, and in 12 inches of water most cars will float. You may not be able to accurately judge the depth of water when looking at the road. Roadways may be washed out under flood water, and the condition of the road may be unsafe for driving. Do not walk, swim, or drive through standing water. Turn Around. Don’t Drown.
- Follow instructions from local emergency management and local government officials
- Do not drive around barricades
- Follow any traffic directions being given by local emergency responders
- If flash floods occur get to higher ground
- Avoid bridges when possible – Flooding may cause water levels to rise above the bridge
- Get out of areas that are prone to flooding, such as ditches, dips, and low spots
- Listen to local alerting systems and/or NOAA Weather Radio for emergency information
After a Flood
Pay attention to authorities for information and instructions. Use caution when dealing with flood waters or flooded areas. Sharp objects, animals, debris, electrical wiring, oil, gasoline, industrial waste, or raw sewage may be present in the flood water.
- Keep children and pets from playing in the flood water
- People with asthma and other lung conditions and/or immune compromising conditions should not enter buildings with indoor water leaks or mold growth
- If mold is present appropriate masks should be worn
- Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water
- Turn off the electricity to prevent electric shock if it is safe to do so
- Underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water
- Clean all items touched by floodwaters
- Throw away items that cannot be cleaned such as
- Mattresses
- Stuffed animals
- Baby toys
- Wood cutting boards
- Food that may have come into contact with flood waters
- Wash hands often with soap and clean water or use an alcohol-based sanitizer
- Seek immediate attention if you become injured or ill
- Residents and businesses who obtain drinking water from an individual well that is not protected by a floodproof cap are advised to disinfect their wells if they know or suspect that flood waters have entered and contaminated their systems