Flood Safety 

There are many things you can do before, during, and after a flood to protect your safety and your property.

Before a Flood

If a flood is likely in your area:

• Listen to the radio or television for information.
• Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.
• Be aware of streams, drainage channels, and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without such typical warnings as rain clouds or heavy rain.

If you must prepare to evacuate:

• Secure your home. If you have time, bring in outdoor furniture. Move essential items to an upper floor.
• Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.

If you have to leave your home, remember these evacuation tips:

• Do not walk through flowing water: Drowning is the #1 cause of flood deaths, mostly during flash floods. Currents can be deceptive - six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet. If you walk in standing water, use a pole or stick to ensure that the ground is still there.
• Do not let children play in flooded areas: Besides the danger of drowning or injury, a person can become very sick if the water is ingested.
• Do not drive through a flooded area: Do not drive around road barriers; the road or bridge may be washed out or the water may be deep. A car can float in only about two feet of water. Passenger cars may float in 18-24 inches of water.

After a Flood

 Returning Home

• Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.
• Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters. 
• Use extreme caution when entering buildings: there may be hidden damage, particularly in foundations. 
• Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car. 
• Avoid moving water. 
• Avoid floodwaters; water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage.

Electricity and Gas

• Stay away from power lines and electrical wires: The #2 flood killer after drowning is electrocution. Electrical currents can travel through water. Report downed power lines to your local power company. 
• Have your electricity turned off: Some appliances, such as television sets and computers, keep electrical charges even after they have been unplugged. Don’t use appliances or motors such as in your washer or dryer that have gotten wet unless they have been taken apart, cleaned and dried. 
• Never enter a flooded basement unless you know the power has been turned off. The water level may be above the electrical outlets or there may be a submerged electrical cord. 
• Be alert for gas leaks: Use a flashlight to inspect for damage. Don’t smoke or use candles, lanterns or open flames unless you know the gas has been turned off and the area has been ventilated. 

 Cleanliness

• Listen for news reports to learn whether the community’s water supply is safe to drink. 
• Throw away food: This includes any canned goods that have come in contact with floodwater.
• Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwater can contain sewage and chemicals. 
• Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are serious health hazards.

More Information

FloodSmart.gov - the official site of the National Flood Insurance Program

After the Flood (pdf) - NFIP Fact Sheet

Preventing Flood Damage: A Checklist for Homeowners (pdf) - FEMA

Above the Flood: Elevating your Flood Prone House - FEMA

Homeowner's Guide to Retrofitting - FEMA

Last Updated: February 14, 2012