Floods
Learn more about floods, what to do and how to stay safe.
Your Impact
Action Steps & Tips
Introduction
One of the primary impacts of climate change is more frequent and intense storms. In many areas, rainfall is becoming more intense during storms with more rain falling per hour or per day than in the past, which can increase flooding. Climate change is also creating larger tropical storms which results in more intense storm surges on the coast. Storm surges are predicted to increase with climate change, and become a significant source of flooding in the future. This can lead to more inland flooding and flooding in areas that have not experienced flooding in the past. That’s why, no matter where you live, it’s important to make plans to be prepared and to help increase resiliency in your community and be ready to weather the storm.
In this action, we’ll discuss important things to know about floods, how to plan for them and lower your risks, and what to do during and after a flood so that you and your loved ones can be prepared!
How to do this action:
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Read this action with your family or housemates to learn about Flood hazards as part of the Make a Plan action.
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Add any items as needed to your Plan, Kit and Household Prep actions.
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Print out the FEMA Flood Information Sheet PDF with the list of reminders and keep it with your kit.
Before completing this action, complete the Find Risks & Resources action to see if this disaster is common or likely where you live!
1Step 1: Learn about Floods
Where is flooding more common? Large floodplains are common across most of the US, especially along the Mississippi River, the central valley of California, the Atlantic Coast, the Gulf Coast, and the Missouri River and Arkansas River basins. However, there are also many smaller, local areas that commonly flood. The most common flood areas are close to rivers or streams that overflow or coastal areas that have storm surges. Flooding can also happen in low elevation areas or valleys.
When is flooding more likely to happen? Floods are more likely during the severe storm or rainy season or in the spring during a snow melt. However, since there are so many factors that contribute to flooding, households should be prepared for a flood event at any time during the year.
What’s the difference between a flood WATCH and a flood WARNING?
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A flood watch means flooding is possible in your area, so pay close attention to the weather and keep a news station or app or NOAA weather radio on for updates.
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A flood warning means flooding is already occurring or will occur soon, and you need to be prepared to evacuate or take shelter immediately.
2Step 2: Add to your Emergency Preparedness Kit and Plan
Add these items to your Kit for flood preparedness:
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Quick-drying clothes and warm layers
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Sturdy, waterproof shoes.
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Additional food and water supplies. Because major floods can cause power outages and possible contamination of water supplies, it’s wise to stockpile extra supplies. If you have the storage space, storing at least 7 days and ideally up to 10-14 days worth of food and water is a good plan.
Add this step to your Plan for flood preparedness:
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Know your evacuation zone: If you haven’t yet, look up your evacuation zone and evacuation route! You can search online for “evacuation zone” and your city or county name.
3Step 3: Add to your household prep plans
If you live in an area prone to floods, there are a number ways you can make your home more prepared! For things that require significant home repair or upgrades, consult with a contractor who has experience in the specific area needed.
Add these steps to your household prep plan:
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Find the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) for your home. This is how high water is likely to rise during a flood in your area. Contact local emergency preparedness agencies, like your local Office of Emergency Services or CERT if you need help with this (See the Step #1: Find Local Risks and Resources if you need help with this). This will help you identify key areas of your home that are most at risk to flood waters, where you can focus your household preparedness efforts. Move valuable items in your home above your Base Flood Elevation (BFE) level. For example, if floods are normally 2-3 feet in your area, move any valuable items in the first floor of your home to counter level or above.
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Clean your gutters and drains at least twice per year.
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If you don’t have flood insurance, look into it. If you have flood insurance, but it’s been a while since you purchased it, review your policy to make sure you have sufficient coverage and renew if needed. Visit floodsmart.gov to find flood insurance plans in your state.
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Secure items in your yard so that they are not swept away or swept into your house and cause damage.
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Make sure water has a place to drain away from your home. Slope your yard away from your home or work with a local landscaper or contractor to install a drainage system on your property that will direct water away from any buildings.
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Consider replacing carpet with tile in areas below your BFE.
Go Big: Retrofit! If your home is in an area prone to flooding, you may want to consider retrofits to reduce flood damage. Speak with a qualified contractor about what options might be right for your home. Here are some retrofit options you can discuss:
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Install flood vents in foundation walls, garages, etc. to help water flow through and drain out.
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Install sewer backflow valves, a water alarm and sump pumps with a battery backup system.
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Elevate your furnace, water heater, and electric panel at least a foot above BFE and anchor fuel tanks.
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Flood-proof your basement and walls and seal any openings below your BFE.
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If your home is in an area prone to repetitive flooding, ask about the benefit of elevating the building.
Community Action - Adopt-a-Drain! Participate in a local adopt-a-drain program. Keeping storm drains clear of debris will help prevent localized flooding and improve water quality. Search online for “adopt-a-drain” in your city, or start your own initiative.
4Step 4: Learn what to do during a flood
If a flood happens in your area, don’t panic! You’ve already taken many steps to be prepared. Take a deep breath. You’ve got this. 3 Things to Remember:
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Safety First: Getting yourself and your loved ones to a safe spot during a disaster is most important. Everything else is secondary, only if you have time and it’s safe.
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Check in: Once you’re safe, check in with family, neighbors, and your out-of-town emergency contact. Phone lines are often overloaded during a disaster, so use text and social media when possible.
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Watch for updates: Pay attention to alerts on your phone, the radio, and the Red Cross app for updates and new instructions.
Find safe shelter: The most important thing you can do during a flood is find safe shelter. Never walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. A person can be knocked down in just six inches of moving water, and a car can be swept away with just one foot of water! There can also be dangerous debris floating in the water that can cause serious injury. Remember: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown!”
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Listen to your local alert system and weather reports and monitor for signs of flooding.
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Evacuate: If you’re told by authorities to evacuate, do so immediately, and follow the steps you laid out in your emergency plan. If you feel threatened, don’t wait for official orders to evacuate, just go!
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Stay off bridges that have flowing water underneath, as the water could suddenly wash away bridges.
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If you’re in your car and get trapped, stay in the car rather than swimming out, and move to the roof if water comes in.
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If you’re trapped in a building, move to the highest level with windows. Avoid attics or closed spaces without air ventilation where floodwater could trap you. Only go on the roof if necessary, then start signaling for help.
Only if you have time before evacuating:
Preparing to leave:
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Gather your emergency kit. This will be helpful whether you are staying with a friend or going to a shelter.
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Fill your car’s gas tank. Tip: keep your car’s gas tank full at all times during flood season.
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Put pets in one room, in carriers or on secure leashes so you can get them quickly.
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Wear sturdy, waterproof shoes, quick-drying clothing, and layers.
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Leave a note with your contact info, your out-of-town contact info, and when you left taped to your fridge or on the inside of a window.
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Carpool with neighbors to reduce traffic congestion if possible.
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Contact your out-of-town emergency contact to let them know how you’re doing and where you’re going, and stay in touch throughout your evacuation.
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In case water lines are damaged, fill extra water bottles with clean water for drinking.
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Check in on neighbors to make sure they’re safe and able to evacuate.
Preparing your home:
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Secure all doors and lock them. Brace doors and windows with sandbags if available.
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Turn your refrigerators and freezers to their coldest settings and keep them closed, so they will stay cold as long as possible if the power goes out.
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Move vehicles to safe locations.
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Unplug appliances (except for the refrigerator).
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If advised to do so by local authorities, shut off your utilities. Refer to the How to Turn Off Utilities action for how to do this.
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Elevate anything electronic, such as televisions, stereos, and vacuum cleaners.
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Fill bathtubs and sinks with water for flushing the toilet and sanitation.
Refer to the Food & Water Safety action for tips on how to safely manage and store food and water during a disaster.
5Step 5: Learn what to do right after a flood
If you’ve had to evacuate, it may be just a few hours or many days before you can return home. When you do, remember it’s normal to feel anxiety or grief, so take care of yourself and your loved ones. The most important thing is that you and your loved ones are safe, and you’ve done what you could to lower your risks and protect your home.
Basic Necessities:
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Shelter: If your home isn’t safe or habitable and you can’t stay with neighbors or friends, find a local shelter near you. You can:
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text SHELTER and your zip code to 4FEMA (43362), e.g. SHELTER 01234.
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Search on the FEMA app or Red Cross app for open shelters.
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In the FEMA app, click “Disaster Resources” → “Shelters” → “Map View”
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In the Red Cross app, click the Maps icon on the bottom right.
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Food & Water: If you do not have access to food and water, or if you’re not certain your supplies are safe to consume, find a local food bank by contacting a shelter or through feedingamerica.org
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First aid: If anyone is seriously sick or injured, call 911. If you are not sure if the injury warrants a trip to the hospital, err on the side of caution and go to the hospital or local urgent care. Here is a list of some of the signs that you should go to the emergency room. If the injury is minor, administer first aid if you are trained and contact your healthcare provider for instructions.
Once you know everyone is safe:
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Contact family and friends, including your out-of-area emergency contact. For non-emergencies, use text or social media to reduce the strain on phone systems. Check in on your neighbors - this is a time we need to lean on each other.
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Wait for authorities to confirm that it’s safe to return to your area. When you get home, enter carefully and be mindful of hazards.
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Avoid walking or driving in floodwaters. Moving water can sweep people away, and both moving and stationary water can carry debris, bacteria, gasoline, and other contaminants.
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Do not touch anything electrical if it is wet or if you are standing in water. Turn off the main breaker if it’s safe to do so, and wait for an electrician or local authorities.
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When you start cleaning up, wear protective clothing, sturdy shoes or boots, and work gloves, and use a face covering if you could be cleaning where mold is present.
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If anyone in your household has lung or autoimmune conditions, including asthma, have them stay out of buildings that have visible signs or smells of mold.
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If flood water entered your home, look out for pests, snakes, and other animals that may have gotten inside.
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Refer to the Recovery action for tips and resources on recovery after a flood.