How to Prepare for a Flood

Flooding events can make traveling extremely dangerous, cause utility outages, negatively impact critical community services such as public transportation, childcare, and city services. Be prepared this flood season.

What to do Now to Prepare

• Prepare and emergency kit and stock emergency supplies
• Know your area’s type of flood risk and how it can affect your home
• Make a family communication plan
• Sign up for local alerts and warnings
• Monitor local news
• Learn and practice evacuation routes
• Review your flood insurance and safeguard critical documents

What to do During to Survive

• Monitor local news
• If told to evacuate, do so immediately.
• Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters.
• Remember when you come to a low water crossing or barricade Turn Around. Don’t Drown
• Stay off of bridges over fast-moving water.
• If your vehicle is trapped in rapidly moving water, stay inside. If water is rising inside the vehicle, seek refuge on the roof.
• If trapped in a building, go to its highest level. Do not climb into a closed attic. You may become trapped by rising floodwater. Go on the roof only if necessary. Signal for help.

What to do After to Be Safe

• Although floodwaters may have reduced in some areas, danger still exists. Here are some things to remember:
• Know your area’s type of flood risk and how it can affect your home
• Monitor local news
• Listen to authorities for information and instructions.
• Avoid driving, except in emergencies.
• Be aware that snakes and other animals may be in your house.
• Wear heavy gloves and boots during clean up.
• Avoid wading in floodwater, which can contain dangerous debris and be contaminated.
• Underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water.
• Be aware of the risk of electrocution. Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. If it is safe to do so, turn off the electricity to prevent electric shock.
• After a disaster declaration from local, state, and federal government, understand what individual assistance is available for recovery.

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