Flood Safety

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Preparing During the Pandemic?

Please review our guidance on preparing for disaster while still protecting yourself from COVID-19. (Available in multiple languages.)

Preparing for Disaster During COVID-19

Flooding is a temporary overflow of water onto land that is normally dry. Floods can result from rain, snow, coastal storms, storm surges, overflows of rivers, and dam failure. Floods can be dangerous. People die by drowning when they don’t evacuate before floodwaters come or when they enter floodwaters. Floods can damage buildings and roads, cause power outages, and create landslides.

Floodwaters carry waste and pollute drinking water. Flooding can develop slowly or quickly. Flash floods can be sudden and violent. Climate change increases our risk of many types of flooding. But we can take action to prepare. Prepare now to protect yourself and your loved ones.

What's the Difference Between a Flood Watch and a Flood Warning?

A flood/flash flood WATCH means a flood or flash flood is possible.

A flood/flash flood WARNING means flooding or flash flooding is already occurring or will occur soon. TAKE IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONS!

What Should You Do Before a Flood?

Understand Your Flood Risk

Learn about the types of flooding that can impact your home and community. Types of flooding include flash floods, river floods, storm surges, coastal floods, burn scars, debris flows, ice/debris jams, snowmelt, dry wash, dam breaks, and levee failures.
Reach out to your local office of emergency management for advice.
Know your home and community’s flood risk. Visit the FEMA Flood Map Service Center and search for your home using your address.

Make Plans to Stay Safe

Flash floods can be sudden and violent. You may have little to no warning. Designate a place on higher ground that you can get to quickly. Plan to move to higher ground before flooding begins.
River floods: Know if you are in an area that is prone to river floods. Review your evacuation plan so that you can leave quickly if officials advise you to evacuate.
Storm surge: Be prepared to evacuate immediately if local officials advise. A storm surge can cause water levels to rise quickly and flood large areas in just minutes.
Coastal flooding: Be prepared to evacuate immediately if local officials advise. Move inland before flooding begins.

Download the Flood Safety Checklist

Red Cross checklists are available in multiple languages

Flood Safety Checklist – English

Flood Safety Checklist – Spanish

Flood Safety Checklist - Arabic

Flood Safety Checklist - Burmese

Flood Safety Checklist - Chinese Simplified

Flood Safety Checklist - Chinese Traditional

Flood Safety Checklist - French

Flood Safety Checklist - Hakha Chin

Flood Safety Checklist - Polish

Get Preparation Tips for the Whole Family

A girl shows the home fire escape plan she just made

Children

Older Adults

A family including a person who uses a wheelchair

People with Disabilities

A woman stays at a Red Cross shelter with her dog and bird

Pets

What Should You Do During a Flood?

Remember: Turn Around, Don't Drown!

Never walk, swim, or drive through floodwater. Just 6 in (15 cm) of fast-moving floodwater can knock you over, and 12 in (30 cm) can carry your vehicle away.

A child's toy waits in the mud after a flood

How Does the Red Cross Help During a Flood?

When a flood occurs, the Red Cross provides shelter, food and comfort.

Learn About Red Cross Flood Relief

How Can You Stay Safe After a Flood?

Prevent Injuries

Understand the dangers you may face and keep your loved ones safe.
If you evacuated, wait for officials to say it is safe before going home.
Avoid fallen power lines, poles, and wires. They can electrocute you.
Watch out for falling trees and other debris.
Use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns, rather than candles, to reduce fire risk.
Many injuries happen during cleanup. Wear protective equipment, like boots, long pants, work gloves, eyewear, and an N95 respirator to protect your lungs. Follow the advice of local public health officials.
Learn how to use equipment safely. Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water because you could get electrocuted.
Cleaning up is a big job. Take care of yourself. Work with a partner and take frequent breaks.

Protect Your Health

Flooding can contaminate drinking water. Check with your local public health department about drinking water safety.
Don’t get sick from eating spoiled food. Throw out food that got wet or warm. When in doubt, throw it out!
Stay away from floodwaters. They may contain sewage, sharp items, and chemicals that can make you ill.
If your home was flooded:
- If possible, dry your home and everything in it as quickly as you can within 24 to 48 hours.
- If you cannot return to dry your home within 24 to 48 hours, you should assume you have mold growth. When it is safe to return home, completely dry everything, clean up the mold and make sure you don’t still have a moisture problem.
- Keep wet areas well-ventilated. Throw away wet materials that can’t be repaired or dried.
Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Gasoline, propane, natural gas, or charcoal-burning devices should never be used inside a home, basement, garage, tent, or camper – or even outside near an open window. Carbon monoxide can’t be seen or smelled, but it can kill you fast. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak, get to fresh air right away – do not delay.

Take Care of Yourself

It's normal to have a lot of bad feelings, stress, or anxiety.
Eat healthy food and get enough sleep to help you deal with stress.
You can contact the Disaster Distress Helpline for free if you need to talk to someone. Call or text 1-800-985-5990.