Making a Plan
Review the flood planning steps below to be better prepared when flooding conditions occur.
Know your risk
Do you know your current flood risk? Visit the National Levee Database and FEMA’s Map Service Center.
Make a Flood Emergency Plan
When it is not flooding, take time to make a flood emergency plan to keep you and your family safe. Learn how here.
Stay Tuned
Turn on your radio or television and listen in order to receive severe weather and flooding instructions and information.
Create an Emergency Preparedness Kit
Create an emergency preparedness kit for you and your family for when severe weather and flooding occur. Learn how here.
REsearch and Consider Buying Flood Insurance
Buying flood insurance is a way to ensure that your home and belongings are insured in case of damages from flooding. Find flood insurance information here.
take time to REview Your Local Emergency Plans
Look over your local emergency plans to understand where to go in your community during severe weather and flooding.
Flood Safety Tips
Make a game plan to be better prepared during flooding conditions.
If levee failure is imminent:
Follow all of the evacuation orders and instructions issued by local authorities.
If there is a chance of flash flooding:
Move immediately to higher ground. Flash floods are the #1 cause of weather-related deaths in the US.
Avoid camping or parking along:
Streams, rivers, and creeks during heavy rainfall. These areas can flood quickly and with little warning.
Avoid walking or driving through flood waters:
Only 6 inches of moving water is needed to knock you down and 2 feet of moving water is needed to sweep a car away.
If floodwaters rise around your car but the water is not moving:
Abandon the car and move to higher ground. Do not leave the car and enter moving water.
Flood Watch
Review the flood planning steps below to be better prepared when flooding conditions occur.
Turn on your radio.
You will receive the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.
Know where to go.
You may need to reach higher ground quickly and on foot.
Move important items to higher floors.
Bring outdoor furniture inside and move important indoor items to the highest possible floor. This will help protect them from flood damage.
Disconnect electric appliances.
Disconnect electrical appliances and do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water. You could be electrocuted.
Wait for further utility instructions.
If Instructed, turn off your gas and electricity at the main switch or valve. This helps prevent fires and explosions
Flood Warning
“Take Action!” Flooding is either happening or will happen shortly.
Move to higher ground.
If possible, move to higher ground in order to avoid flood waters.
Evacuate if directed.
Depending on the extent of the flood, you may be asked to evacuate your home for safety.
Avoid driving and walking through water.
Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down and 2 feet of water can sweep your vehicle away.