	Go to higher ground during floods. Flood waters only a few inches deep can sweep you off your feet. Floods are the most common and widespread of all natural hazards. Some floods develop over a period of days, but flash floods can result in raging waters in just a few minutes. Flash floods carry a deadly cargo of rocks, mud and other debris and can occur without any visible sign of rainfall. Mudslides are another danger created by flooding. Be aware of flood hazards, especially if you live in a low‑lying area, near water or downstream from a dam. Even very small streams, gullies, creeks, culverts, dry streambeds or low‑lying ground that appear harmless in dry weather can flood. Every state is at risk from this hazard.
Return to top of page What to do before a flood 1. Know the terms used to describe flooding:		Flood Watch ‑ Flooding is possible. Stay tuned to NOAA radio or commercial radio or television for additional information.
	Flash Flood Watch ‑ Flash flooding is possible. Move to higher ground. A flash flood could occur without any warning. Listen to NOAA rad o or commercial radio or television for additional information.
	Flood Warning ‑ Flooding is occurring or will occur soon. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
	Flash Flood Warning ‑ A flash flood is occurring. Seek higher ground on foot immediately.
	Urban and Small Stream Advisory ‑ Flooding of small streams, streets and low‑lying areas is occurring.

2. Ask your local planning department or emergency management office whether your property is in a flood‑prone area. Learn the elevation level of your property. This will help you know how your property will be affected when flood levels are forecasted. Ask how you can protect your home from flooding.

3. Identify dams in your area and determine whether they pose a hazard.

4. Purchase a NOAA Weather Radio with battery backup and a tone‑alert feature which automatically alerts you when a Watch or Warning is issued.

5. Be prepared to evacuate. Learn your community's flood evacuation routes and where to find high ground. See the Evacuation page for more information.

6. Talk to your family about flooding. Plan a place to meet your family in case you are separated from one another in a disaster and cannot return home. Choose an out‑of‑state contact for everyone to call to say they are okay In some emergencies, calling out‑of‑state is possible even when local phone lines are down.

7. Determine how you would care for family members who may live elsewhere but might need your help in a flood. Determine any special needs your neighbors might have.

8. Assemble a disaster supplies kit. Include a battery‑operated radio, flashlights and extra batteries, first aid supplies, sleeping supplies and clothing. Keep a stock of food and extra drinking water. See the Emergency Planning and Checklists page for more information.

9. Know how to shut off electricity, gas and water at main switches and valves. Know where gas pilots are located and how the heating system works.

10. Consider purchasing flood insurance. Flood losses are not covered under homeowners' insurance policies. Flood insurance is available in most communities from the National Flood Insurance Program. Flood insurance is available whether the building is in or out of the identified flood‑prone area.

11. Consider options for flood-proofing your home. Call your local building department or emergency management office for information.

12. Make a record of your personal property. Take photographs of or videotape your belongings and store them in a safe place.

13. Keep insurance policies, deeds, property records and other important papers in a safe place away from your home.

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What to do during heavy rains
1. Be aware of flash floods. If there is any possibility of a flash flood occurring, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move. 2. Listen to radio or television stations for local information. 3. Be aware of streams, drainage channels and areas known to flood suddenly. 4. If local authorities issue a flood watch, prepare to evacuate:		Secure your home. If you have time, bring outdoor garden equipment and lawn furniture inside or tie it down. Move essential items to the upper floors of your house.
	If instructed, turn off utilities at the main switches or valves. Disconnect electrical appliances, but do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
	Fill your car with fuel.
	Fill the bathtub with water in case water becomes contaminated or services cut off. Sterilize the bathtub first.

5. Stay away from flood waters. They could be contaminated.

6. Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet. If you must walk in a flooded area, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.

7. Do not drive into flooded areas. If flood waters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground, if you can do so safely. You and your vehicle can be quickly swept away as flood waters rise.

8. When deep flooding is likely, permit the flood waters to flow freely into the basement of your home (or flood the basement yourself with clean water, if you are sure it will be flooded anyway). This will avoid structural damage to the foundation and the house by equalizing the water pressure on the outside of the basement walls and floors. Contact authorities for guidance.

9. See the Evacuation page for more information.

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What to do after a flood
1. Stay away from flood waters. The water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline or raw sewage. The water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines. 2. Stay away from moving water. Moving water only six inches deep can sweep you off your feet. 3. Be aware of areas where flood waters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car. 4. Stay away from downed power lines and report them to the power company. 5. Stay away from disaster areas unless authorities ask for volunteers. One way to help is to give money to a disaster relief organization. Do not donate food, clothing or other personal items unless they are specifically requested. 6. Continue listening to a battery powered radio for information about where to get assistance for housing, clothing and food. Outreach programs are often available to help you cope with the stress of the situation. 7. Consider your family's health and safety needs. Wash your hands frequently with soap and clean water if you come in contact with flood waters. Throw away food that has come in contact with flood waters. Listen for news reports to learn whether the community's water supply is safe to drink. 8. Contact your insurance agent. If your policy covers your situation, an adjuster will be assigned to visit your home. To prepare:		Take photos of or videotape your belongings and your home.
	Separate damaged and undamaged belongings.
	Locate your financial records.
	Keep detailed records of cleanup costs.

Floods

What to do before a flood

What to do during heavy rains

What to do after a flood