HOW TO 

PREPARE

FOR A FLOOD
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Flooding is the most common natural disaster in the United 

States and can happen anywhere. How to Prepare for a Flood 

explains how to protect yourself and your property, and details 

the steps to take now so that you can act quickly when you, 

your home, or your business is in danger.

FLOOD 

BASICS

WHAT Flooding is an overflowing of water onto land that is normally dry. Flooding may 

happen with only a few inches of water, or it may cover a house to the rooftop. 

Flooding can occur during any season, but some areas of the country are at greater 

risk at certain times of the year. Coastal areas are at greater risk for flooding during 

hurricane season (i.e., June to November), while the Midwest is more at risk in the 

spring and during heavy summer rains. Ice jams occur in the spring in the Northeast 

and Northwest. Even the deserts of the Southwest are at risk during the late 

summer monsoon season. 

Flooding can happen in any U.S. state or territory. It is particularly important to be 

prepared for flooding if you live in a low-lying area near a body of water, such as a 

river, stream, or culvert; along a coast; or downstream from a dam or levee.

Flooding can occur in several ways, including the following. 

- Rivers and lakes cannot contain excessive rain or snowmelt.

- Excessive rain or snowmelt cannot be fully absorbed into the ground.

- Waterways are blocked with debris or ice and overflow.

- Water containment systems break, such as levees, dams, or water or sewer 

systems. 

- Strong winds from tropical storms or hurricanes cause a storm surge by pushing 

seawater onto land. 

The speed and duration of flooding can vary significantly.

- Flooding can occur slowly as rain continues to fall for many days. This type of 

flooding, sometimes called a slow-onset flood, can take a week to develop and can 

last for months before floodwaters recede. 

- Rapid-onset floods occur more quickly, typically developing within hours or days. 

These types of floods usually occur in smaller watersheds experiencing heavy 

rainfall, particularly in mountainous and urban areas, and the water usually recedes 

within a few days.

- Some rapid-onset floods known as flash floods occur very quickly with little or no 

warning, such as during periods of extremely heavy rain or when levees, dams, 

ice jams, or water systems break. Densely populated areas are at a high risk for 

flash floods. In urban areas, flash floods can fill underpasses, viaducts, parking 

structures, low roads, and basements. 

- The strong winds of a tropical cyclone or hurricane can push large amounts of 

seawater up onto the land, causing a storm surge. A storm surge combines 

with the ocean’s tide to produce a storm-tide surge. Storm-tide surges have 

been registered as high as almost 35 feet above normal sea level and can cause 

significant flooding across a large area. This generally occurs over a short period, 

typically 4 to 8 hours, but in some areas, it can take much longer for the water to 

recede to its pre-storm level.

WHERE

HOW

WHEN
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IMPACT The physical destruction caused by flooding depends on the speed and level 

of the water, the duration of the flood, terrain and soil conditions, and the built 

environment (e.g., buildings, roads, and bridges).

- Flooding can cause fatalities and serious injuries for people who are trapped or 

swept away by wading in, driving through, or boating across floodwaters.

- Transportation routes, power, water, gas, and other services may be disrupted.

- Commercial supplies and government support systems may be temporarily 

unavailable.

- Drinking water supplies and wells may become polluted. 

- Floodwaters can cause erosion, which can damage roads, bridge structures, levees, 

and buildings with weak foundations, causing their collapse without warning. The 

floodwaters may carry the worn-away mud, rocks, and other sediment. 

- Landslides and mudslides can occur. 

- Even a few inches of floodwater in a home can cause tens of thousands of dollars 

in damage.

KNOW THE 

RISK

Flood Frequency 

By County

101–4,114

FREQUENCY OF FLOOD EVENTS BY COUNTY: 1996–2013

This map depicts all coastal, flash, lakeshore, storm surge, or other flooding 

identified by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

21–100

1–20

No recorded 

floods
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Flood-related injuries and deaths are often the result of 

individuals trapped in floodwaters. The best way to stay safe 

is to leave areas that flood and avoid floodwaters.

EVACUATE

To avoid being trapped when floodwaters threaten your area, the best action to 

protect yourself and your family is to evacuate before flooding starts. Know and 

follow the directions from local officials for community evacuation or seek high 

ground for localized flooding. If you do not evacuate before the flooding occurs or 

you are trapped by flash flooding, do not enter flooded areas or moving water either 

on foot or in a vehicle, including areas that appear to have only inches of water.

ELEVATE, WATERPROOF, AND CLEAR DEBRIS 

Your goal now, before a flood occurs, is to reduce the risk of damage to structures 

from flooding. This means elevating critical utilities, such as electrical panels, 

switches, sockets, wiring, appliances, and heating systems, and waterproofing 

basements. In areas with repetitive flooding, consider elevating the entire structure. 

Make sure that basements are waterproofed and that your sump pump is working 

and then install a battery-operated backup in case of a power failure. Installing 

a water alarm will also let you know if water is accumulating in your basement. 

Clear debris from gutters and downspouts. Anchor any fuel tanks. Move furniture, 

valuables, and important documents to a safe place.

FLOOD INSURANCE

Purchasing flood insurance provides financial protection for the cost of repairs 

due to flood damage. Standard insurance policies do not cover flooding, but flood 

insurance is available for homeowners, renters, and business owners through the 

National Flood Insurance Program.

EMERGENCY

NOTIFICATIONS

FLOOD WATCH

The National Weather Service (NWS), part of the National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), issues flood 

alerts when weather conditions make flooding more likely. 

Watches, warnings, and evacuation notices are science-based predictions that 

are intended to provide adequate time for evacuation. Those who wait for actual 

confirmation of catastrophic levels may be trapped by flooding or traffic. Download 

the Be Smart. Know Your Alerts and Warnings document at www.ready.gov/

prepare for a summary of available notifications. 

Flooding in your area is possible. You should leave or be prepared to move to higher ground 

immediately upon short notice. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards, local radio, 

and/or television stations for information and monitor alert notifications.

Flooding is occurring or is about to occur soon. If advised to evacuate, do 

so immediately.

Flash flooding is possible. You should leave or be prepared to move to higher ground 

upon short notice. Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards, local radio, and/or 

television stations for information and monitor alert notifications.

PERSONAL 

PROTECTION

RISK MANAGEMENT

PROPERTY

PROTECTION

YOUR GOAL FOR

PROTECTION

FLOOD WARNING

FLASH FLOOD WATCH
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FLASH FLOOD WARNING A flash flood is occurring or about to occur. Seek higher ground immediately.

Flood watches and warnings may also be issued for specific types of flooding 

(e.g., coastal or river flooding).

NWS River Forecast Centers issue river-flood forecasts to the public. During 

periods of flooding, these forecasts inform the public about the height of the flood 

crest, the date and time the river is expected to overflow its banks, and the date 

and time the flow in the river is expected to recede back within its banks. The U.S. 

Geological Survey (USGS) and NWS work together during a flood to collect and use 

the most up-to-date data and to update forecasts as new information is acquired. 

For more information on the River Forecast Centers and current observed river 

conditions, go to www.water.weather.gov/ahps/rfc/rfc.php. 

If the danger is significant, local authorities may issue an evacuation notice to alert 

residents that flooding will be or is occurring and it is important to leave the area. 

Evacuation orders vary by state and community, and may range from voluntary to 

mandatory. When authorities issue a mandatory evacuation notice, leave the area 

immediately.

Protecting yourself today means having sources for information, 

preparing your home or workplace, developing an emergency 

communications plan, and knowing what to do when a flood 

is approaching your home or business. Taking action today can 

save lives and property.

Know your flood risk. Learn whether you live, work, or travel through areas 

that are prone to flooding. To help communities understand their risk of flooding, 

the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) creates flood maps (Flood 

Insurance Rate Maps, or FIRMs) to show the locations of high-risk, moderate-tolow risk, and undetermined risk areas. To check your flood risk, enter your address 

at www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/pages/flooding_flood_risks/defining_

flood_risks.jsp. According to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), more 

than 25 percent of all flood claims each year come from homes outside areas at 

high risk for flooding. To participate in the NFIP, local communities must adopt 

floodplain management regulations that meet or exceed its minimum requirements.

Know how to stay informed. Receiving timely information about weather 

conditions or other emergency events can make all the difference in knowing when 

to take action to be safe.

- Monitor the weather reports provided by your local news media. 

- Many communities have text or email alerting systems for emergency notifications. 

To find out what alerts are available in your area, do an Internet search with your 

town, city, or county name and the word “alerts.” 

- Consider buying a NOAA Weather Radio (NWR) All Hazards receiver, which 

receives broadcast alerts directly from NWS. You can purchase these at many retail 

TAKE ACTION NOW! PROTECT

YOURSELF

BEFORE

A FLOOD

KNOW

OTHER ALERTS

EVACUATION NOTICE
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outlets, such as electronics and big box stores, or online. Some NWR receivers 

are designed to work with external notification devices with visual and vibrating 

alerts for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. For more information on NWR 

receivers, visit www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/nwrrcvr.htm#programming.

- Think about how you will stay informed if there is a power outage. Have extra 

batteries for a battery-operated radio and your cell phone. Consider having a hand 

crank radio or cell phone charger.

- You can use USGS’s WaterAlert system (http://maps.waterdata.usgs.gov/

mapper/wateralert) to receive texts or email messages when a stream in your 

area is rising to flood level.

Know your evacuation routes; plan your transportation and a place to stay.

The safest way to survive a flood is to evacuate the area if advised to leave. To ensure 

that you will be able to act quickly should the need arise, you need to plan ahead.

- Know your community’s local flood evacuation plan and identify several escape routes 

for your location if roads are blocked; include plans to evacuate people with disabilities 

and others with access and functional needs, pets, service animals, and livestock. 

- If you will evacuate by car, keep your car fueled and in good condition. Keep 

emergency supplies and a change of clothes in your car.

- If you will need to share transportation, make arrangements now. If you will need 

to use public transportation, including paratransit, contact your local government 

emergency management agency to ask how an evacuation will work, how you 

will get current information during an evacuation, the location of staging areas, and 

other information. 

- If you need to relocate for an extended period of time, identify a place away from 

home now where you could go if you had to leave. Consider family or friends who 

live outside of the local area. 

- If you expect to go to a shelter after evacuating, download the American Red 

Cross Shelter Finder app. This app displays open American Red Cross shelters and 

provides the capacity and current population of each shelter. Visit www.redcross.

org/mobile-apps/shelter-finder-app. You can also text SHELTER + your ZIP code 

to 43362 (4FEMA) to find the nearest shelter in your area.

- If you have pets and plan to go to a shelter, call to inquire whether the shelter can 

accommodate your pets. Shelters will accept service animals.

Practice how you will communicate with family members. In a dangerous 

situation, your first thoughts will be the safety of your family and friends. In case you 

are not together when authorities issue a flood watch or flood warning, practice how 

you will communicate with each other. Remember that sending texts is often faster 

than making a phone call. Keep important numbers written down in your wallet not 

just in your phone. It is sometimes easier to reach people outside of your local area 

during an emergency, so choose an out-of-town contact for all family members to call 

or use social media. Decide where the members of your household will meet after the 

flood. Visit www.ready.gov/make-a-plan for instructions on developing a Household 

Communication Plan.

PRACTICE
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Practice first aid skills and emergency response actions through training classes.

In most circumstances, when someone is hurt, a person on the scene provides the 

first assistance, before professional help arrives. Learn and practice response skills 

now so you will know what to do.

- Each year, more than 3 million people gain the skills they need to prepare for and 

respond to emergencies through American Red Cross training classes, including 

first aid, automated external defibrillator (AED), and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation 

(CPR) training. Visit www.redcross.org/take-a-class to find out about classes 

in your area. Download the American Red Cross First Aid App at www.redcross.

org/mobile-apps/first-aid-app.

- The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program expands the 

emergency response network by providing training in basic response skills to 

community members. CERT Basic Training educates individuals about disaster 

preparedness for hazards that may affect their area and trains them in basic disaster 

response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, 

and disaster medical operations. Visit www.fema.gov/community-emergencyresponse-teams to find your local program.

Store supplies so you can grab them quickly if you need to evacuate; know 

in advance what else you will need to take. Take time now to make a list of the 

things you would need or want to take with you if you had to leave your home quickly. 

Store the basic emergency supplies in a “Go Bag” or other container. Be ready to 

grab other essential items quickly before leaving. Remember to include specialized 

items for people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs such 

as older adults, children, and those with Limited English Proficiency. For a full list of 

supplies for your emergency supply kit, visit www.ready.gov/build-a-kit. When 

making your list, consider the Five Ps of Evacuation.

STORE

PERSONAL NEEDS PRICELESS ITEMS

Personal needs, such as clothes, 

food, water, first aid kit, cash, 

phones and chargers; and items for 

people with disabilities and others 

with access and/or functional needs 

such as older adults, children, 

and those with Limited English 

Proficiency

Priceless items, including pictures, 

irreplaceable mementos, and other 

valuables

People and, if safely 

possible, pets and 

other animals or 

livestock 

Prescriptions, with 

dosages; medicines; 

medical equipment; 

batteries or power 

cords; eyeglasses; and 

hearing aids

Papers, including 

important documents 

(hard copies and/or 

electronic copies 

saved on external 

hard drives or portable 

thumb drives)

PEOPLE PRESCRIPTIONS PAPERS
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Store the important documents you will need to start your recovery.

Review your homeowners or renters insurance policy and also prepare or update 

a list of your home’s contents by taking pictures or videotaping each room in the 

house. If your home or business sustains significant damage, you will need access 

to insurance and rental or mortgage agreements to file a claim or request assistance 

from the government. During recovery, you may also need access to personal 

information such as medical insurance, prescriptions, or warranties for durable 

medical equipment. The Emergency Financial First Aid Kit (EFFAK) can help you 

identify the records you will want to keep safe. This document is available at 

www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/29791. Store your 

records safely. Keep papers in a fireproof, waterproof box. If records are stored 

electronically, keep a backup drive in your fireproof, waterproof box or store files 

using a secure cloud-based service.

Protect your property and manage your risk. Take steps to protect your 

property from flood damage.

- Talk to your insurance agent about buying flood insurance. Flood insurance is 

available for homeowners, renters, and business owners. Because homeowners 

insurance policies do not typically cover flood losses, you will need to 

purchase separate flood insurance if your property is at risk for flooding. Visit 

www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/pages/flooding_flood_risks/defining_

flood_risks.jsp for an estimate of what flood insurance may cost for your property 

address. A policy purchased today will take effect in 30 days, so act now.

- Elevate the heating system (furnace), water heater, and electric panel if the location 

is susceptible to flooding.

- Install “check valves” in sewer lines to prevent floodwater from backing up into the 

drains of your home.

- Waterproof the basement.

- Install sump pumps with battery backup.

- If you live in a flood-prone area, stockpile emergency building materials 

(e.g., plywood, plastic sheeting, lumber nails, a hammer and saw, a pry bar, 

shovels, and sandbags).

- In areas with repetitive flooding, consider elevating the building.

- Keep gutters and drains free of debris.

Discuss what you have done to prepare with your family, friends, neighbors, 

and colleagues. Talking about preparedness with others will help you think 

through your plans, share information about alerts and warnings, and share tips 

for protecting property. Talking about disasters and helping others prepare makes 

everyone safer.

Discuss how your community can reduce risk. Work with others in your 

community to improve community resilience planning. Work with others to 

support your community’s participation in the Community Rating System of the 

National Flood Insurance Program and to examine what building codes or land 

use will improve your community’s resilience. For more information on mitigation 

options for reducing your community’s risk, see Mitigation Ideas: A Resource for 

Reducing Risk to Natural Hazards at www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/

documents/30627?id=6938.

PROTECT

DISCUSS
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PROTECT

YOURSELF

DURING

A FLOOD

Flood-related injuries and deaths are often the result of 

individuals being trapped in floodwaters. Authorities may direct 

you to evacuate a low-lying area, or the likely path of the rising 

waters, to avoid being trapped by rapid changes in water levels.

EVACUATE

- If authorities advise or order you to evacuate, do so immediately. Be sure to 

remember the Five Ps of Evacuation: People, Prescriptions, Paper, Personal 

Needs, and Priceless Items.

- If you are in the path of a slow-onset flood and there is time before you need to 

evacuate, consider the following strategies.

✓Move items you want to protect to a higher floor.

✓Turn off gas, water, and electricity if you know how and can do it safely. 

Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or you are standing in water.

✓Put sandbags around your property. 

If you see floodwater on roads, walkways, bridges, and on the ground, do not 

attempt to cross. The depth of the water is not always obvious and the roadbed 

may be washed out under the water. Moving water has tremendous power. Six 

inches of moving water has the potential to knock you off your feet, and a foot of 

water can sweep a vehicle—even a large SUV—off of the road. Floodwaters can 

contain rocks, mud, other debris, oil, gasoline, and even sewage. Be especially 

cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers. For more information 

on floodwater hazards, visit the NWS Turn Around Don’t Drown® program at

http://tadd.weather.gov.

If you do not leave before the flooding reaches your immediate area and you 

are trapped, call 911 if possible. Give your location and explain your situation.

IN A BUILDING

- Go to the highest level of the building. Avoid basements and lower floors, but do 

not climb into a closed attic as you may become trapped by rising floodwater. 

- Go onto your roof only if necessary. Signal for help.

IN A VEHICLE

- If floodwater is blocking your evacuation route but you can turn around safely, turn 

around and go to a building on high ground.

- If your vehicle is trapped in rapidly moving water, stay in the vehicle. If water is 

rising inside the vehicle, seek refuge on the roof.

OUTDOORS

- Move to higher ground and, if necessary, climb as high as possible on a sturdy object.

IF FLOODWATER 

IS PRESENT 

IF TRAPPED
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IF YOU EVACUATED 

- Return home only when authorities say it is safe. 

- Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. and watch out for debris. 

- Do not attempt to drive through areas that are still flooded. 

IF YOU STAYED IN THE AREA OR AS YOU RETURN 

Listen to official public information to get expert, informed advice as soon as 

it becomes available. After the rising water has stopped, use the following 

considerations and precautions:

- If your home was severely flooded, you may only be able to enter when officials 

say it is safe to do so. Stay out of any building surrounded by floodwaters.

- Use extreme caution when entering flooded buildings. There may be hidden 

damage, particularly in foundations. Personal safety considerations include 

protecting yourself from electric shock, mold contamination, asbestos, and lead 

paint. Turn off electricity at main breaker or fuse box. Homeowners who are 

unfamiliar with electricity or their home’s electrical systems should contact their 

local power company or a qualified electrician to assist them in making their 

property safe from electrical hazards after a flood. Check for loose boards and 

slippery floors.

- Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or you are standing in water.

- Shut off utilities to a flooded home or building.

- Use flashlights, not lanterns, torches, or matches, to examine buildings. Flammable 

gases may be inside the structure and open flames may cause a fire or explosion.

- If you turned off your gas, a licensed professional is required to turn it back on. 

- Carbon monoxide exhaust kills. Use a generator or other gasoline-powered machine 

ONLY outdoors and away from windows so the fumes do not get inside. The 

same goes for camping stoves. Fumes from charcoal are also deadly—cook with 

charcoal ONLY outdoors. For more information, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease 

Control and Prevention’s website on preventing carbon monoxide poisoning after an 

emergency at http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/cofacts.asp.

- Stay away from moving water, especially near rivers, streams, drainage systems, 

and coastal areas.

- Avoid wading in floodwater, which may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or 

raw sewage. 

- Watch for dangerous debris (e.g., broken glass, metal fragments), dead animals, 

or venomous snakes that may be in floodwaters. Before walking through debris, 

use a stick to check for hidden dangers. Underground or downed power lines may 

electrically charge the water. 

- Do not drive in areas where floodwater covers the road.

- Stay away from downed power lines and report them to 911 or the power 

company’s emergency number.

- Stay away from damaged areas unless police, fire, or relief organizations have 

requested your assistance.

INSIDE SAFETY

PROTECT

YOURSELF

AFTER

A FLOOD

OUTSIDE SAFETY
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- Use local alerts, radio stations, and other local information sources, such as 

American Red Cross apps, to get information and advice as soon as available. 

- Use text messaging or social media to communicate with family and friends. 

Telephones and cellular phone systems are often overwhelmed following a disaster, 

so use phones only for emergency calls. 

- Listen for news reports to learn whether the community’s water supply is safe to 

drink.

- Service damaged septic tanks and leaching systems as soon as possible. 

A damaged sewage system is a serious health hazard. 

- Have wells checked for contamination from bacteria and chemicals.

- Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwater can contain 

sewage, bacteria, and chemicals. Take precautions and wear appropriate protective 

equipment such as gloves, safety glasses, and face masks. Follow five basic steps 

for post-flood building restoration, including (1) air out, (2) move out, (3) tear out, 

(4) clean out, and (5) dry out. Seek out professional services and/or guidance before 

attempting to repair flood-damaged property.

- Throw out any food, including canned items, that was not maintained at a proper 

temperature or has been exposed to floodwaters. Do not eat food from a flooded 

garden. When in doubt, throw it out.

- Remove and replace any drywall or other paneling that has been underwater. Use 

a moisture meter to make sure that wooden studs and framing are dry before 

replacing the drywall. Mold growth in hidden places is a significant health hazard.

- Look for signs of depression or anxiety related to this experience, such as feeling 

physically and mentally drained; having difficulty making decisions or staying 

focused; becoming easily frustrated on a more frequent basis; feeling tired, sad, 

numb, lonely, or worried; or experiencing changes in appetite or sleep patterns. 

Seek help from local mental health providers if you detect these signs in yourself or 

others.

- Photograph damage to your property and contact your insurance agent. Do what 

you can to prevent further damage that insurance may not cover (e.g., putting a tarp 

on a damaged roof). 

COMMUNICATIONS

HEALTH AND 

SANITATION

CARE FOR 

LOVED ONES

INSURANCE
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RESOURCES If you would like more information, the following resources 

may be helpful.

- American Red Cross, Repairing Your Flooded Home: 

www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m4340135_file_

cont333_lang0_150.pdf

- FEMA Above the Flood: Elevating Your Floodprone House: 

www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/725

- FEMA After a Flood: The First Steps:

www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/3396

- FEMA Homeowner’s Guide to Retrofitting: Six Ways to Protect Your House From 

Flooding: www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/480

- FEMA Hurricane Sandy Issue Paper: Guidance for Turning the Power Back On: 

www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/29788

- FEMA Hurricane Sandy Recovery Fact Sheet #1: Cleaning Flooded Buildings: 

www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/31368?id=7128

- FEMA Protecting Building Utilities From Flood Damage: 

www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/3729

- FloodSmart: www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart

- NWS Flood Safety Awareness: www.floodsafety.noaa.gov

- NWS Hurricane Flooding: A Deadly Inland Danger: 

www.nws.noaa.gov/om/brochures/InlandFlooding.pdf

- NWS NOAA River Forecast: 

www.water.weather.gov/ahps2/index.php?wfo=bmx

- NWS The Hidden Danger: Low Water Crossing: 

www.nws.noaa.gov/om/brochures/TheHiddenDangerEnglish.pdf

- NWS Tropical Cyclone Inland Flooding: 

www.nws.noaa.gov/om/brochures/TropicalCycloneInlandFlooding.pdf

- NWS Turn Around Don’t Drown®: 

www.nws.noaa.gov/os/water/tadd/tadd-resources.shtml#brochures

- Ready: www.Ready.gov/floods

- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), DisasterSpecific Resources: Annotated Bibliography: 

www.samhsa.gov/dtac/dbhis/dbhis_specific_bib.asp#disaster

- USGS WaterAlert: http://maps.waterdata.usgs.gov/mapper/wateralert