Floods and flash floods

A flood is an overflow of water onto normally dry land, often caused when excessive rainfall or a dam or levee failure causes rivers and streams to overflow their banks.

Some floods develop slowly, while others develop in just minutes. Being prepared and taking mitigation measures, such as building away from floodplains and elevating homes, can reduce the risk of damage and injuries in a flood.

Before a flood or flash flood

• Check out FLASH Hurricane Strong for do-it-yourself ways to strengthen your homes against flooding, high winds and lightning.
• Review your family preparedness plan.
• Establish a family communications plan.
• Assemble a disaster supply kit.
• Have a family evacuation plan in place.
• Find out if you live in a flood-prone area and whether your property is above or below the flood stage water level.
• Elevate your furnace, water heater and electric panel.
• If time permits, use sandbags to construct barriers to protect your home.
• Consider installing “check valves” to prevent floodwaters from backing up into the drains of your home.
• Be familiar with flooding warning signs:
  • Consistent heavy rains.
  • Overflowing rivers and streams.
  • Saturated ground.
• Know the difference between a flood or flash flood watch and a flood or flash flood warning:
  • Flood watch: A flood is possible. Stay tuned to a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radio or TV for more information.
  • Flash flood watch: A flash flood is possible. Stay tuned to a NOAA weather radio or TV for more information and be prepared to leave for higher ground if necessary.
  • Flood warning: A flood is expected or occurring.
  • Flash flood warning: A flash flood is expected or occurring. Seek higher ground immediately.

Additional considerations for COVID-19

• Unless you live in a mandatory evacuation zone, it is recommended that you make a plan to shelter-in-place in your home, if it is safe to do so.
• If you live in a mandatory evacuation zone, make a plan with friends or family to shelter with them where you will be safer and more comfortable.
• Only evacuate to shelters if you are unable to shelter at home or with family or friends. Note that your regular shelter may not be open this year. Check with local authorities for the latest information about public shelters.
• If you need to go to a disaster shelter, follow CDC recommendations for staying safe and healthy in a public disaster shelter during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During a flood or flash flood

• Listen to a NOAA weather radio for updated information.
• If time permits, move valuable possessions to upper floors or safe ground.
• Be prepared to evacuate, and do so immediately if necessary.
• Do not walk or drive through any floodwaters.

After a flood or flash flood

• Continue listening to a NOAA weather radio for updated information.
• Avoid damaged areas, stay off roads and remain on firm ground.
• Avoid floodwaters. The water may be contaminated.
• Return home only after local officials declare it is safe. Enter your home with extreme caution. Do not enter if floodwaters remain.
• Inspect your home:
  • Leave the house if you smell gas or chemical fumes.
  • Check for damage to walls, the foundation, the electrical system and water lines.
  • Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches or other flammable liquids immediately.
  • Notify your insurance company if your home is damaged.
• Help injured or trapped people. Do not move seriously injured people unless they are in immediate danger of death or further injury. Call for help.
• Open windows and doors to help dry the house.
• Check food supplies and drinking water. Anything that has come in contact with floodwater may be contaminated and should be thrown out.
• Clean and disinfect everything that got wet.
• Watch out for snakes and other animals. Use a stick to poke through debris.
• Avoid making phone calls except in serious emergencies. 

Additional considerations for COVID-19

• You should continue to use preventive actions like washing your hands and wearing a face covering during clean up or when returning home.
• It may take longer than usual to restore power and water if they are out. Take steps to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning if you use a generator.
• If you are injured or ill, contact your medical provider for treatment recommendations. Keep wounds clean to prevent infection. Remember, accessing medical care may be more difficult than usual during the pandemic.
• Dealing with disasters can cause stress and strong emotions, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is natural to feel anxiety, grief, and worry. Coping with these feelings and getting help when you need it will help you, your family and your community recover.
• People with preexisting mental health conditions should continue with their treatment and be aware of new or worsening symptoms. Additional information can be found at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration page.
• When you check on neighbors and friends, be sure to follow social distancing recommendations (staying at least 6 feet, about two arms’ length, from others) and other CDC recommendations to protect yourself and others.
• If you need to go to a disaster shelter, follow CDC recommendations for staying safe and healthy in a public disaster shelter during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• If you are sick and need medical attention, contact your healthcare provider for further care instructions and shelter-in-place, if possible. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 and let the operator know if you have, or think you might have, COVID-19. If possible, put on a cloth face covering before help arrives. If staying at a shelter or public facility, alert shelter staff immediately so they can call a local hospital or clinic.

Additional resources

Emergency/preparedness information

• Flood safety from the American Red Cross
• Federal Emergency Management Agency
  • Ready.gov: Flood information
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
  • Natural disaster preparedness

Current flood/flash flood information

• National Weather Service
• Storm Prediction Center

Other information

• NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards