Get Ready for Flood

Floods can be slow or fast rising, but generally develop over a period of days.

Flash floods usually result from intense storms dropping large amounts of rain within a brief period. They can occur without warning reach full peak quickly. Communities located in low-lying areas, near water or downstream from a dam are at risk.

Before Flooding
  • Know your area’s flood risk. If unsure, call your local emergency management agency or planning and zoning department, or visit floodsmart.gov.
  • Property insurance does not typically cover flood damage. Talk to your insurance provider to see if you may need additional coverage. The National Flood Insurance Program is designed to provide reasonable flood insurance in exchange for careful management of local, flood-prone areas.
  • Familiarize yourself with terms associated with a flood
    • Flood watch: 
      • Widespread flooding possible in your area
      • Be prepared to evacuate
      • Issued when flooding is expected to occur 6 to 12 hours after rain ends.
    • Flood warning: 
      • Flooding expected in your area within 6 to 12 hours
  • Prepare a portable Ready kit in case you have to evacuate, and plan your route in advance.
  • Keep insurance policies, documents and other valuables in a safe deposit box and copies in a waterproof container in your Ready kit.
  • Raise your furnace, water heater and electric panel if they are in areas that may flood.
  • Move furniture and valuables to higher floors.
  • Create a communications plan and choose an external meeting place in case your family is unable to meet at home.
  • Determine an out-of-town contact. If local lines are out of service, plan to use your mobile device.
  • Plan ahead for your pets. Shelters cannot accept pets, so it’s important to find a pet-friendly hotel or make other arrangements.
During Flooding
  • If it has been raining hard for several hours or steadily raining for several days, be alert to the possibility of a flood.
  • Monitor local media or a NOAA Weather Radio.
  • Follow the instructions of local officials. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
  • NEVER drive through standing water. It only takes 1 foot to float an automobile and 2 feet of fast-moving water to sweep it away.
    • More than half of flood victims are in vehicles swept away by moving water.
  • Move to higher ground away from bodies of water and storm drains.
  • Stay out of floodwaters if possible. The water may be contaminated or electrically charged.
    • However, if your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, get out immediately
  • Avoid downed power lines
After Flooding
  • Do not return to your home until local authorities say’s safe. Hazards could include weakened bridges, unstable buildings and contaminated water.