Flooding

Failing to evacuate flooded areas or remaining in a flooded area can result in injury or death. Flooding is an overflow of water onto land that is normally dry. Floods are know as the most common natural disaster in the United States.

Some common reasons for flooding to occur:

Rain, snow, coastal storms, storm surges, and overflows of dams and other water systems.
They can develop rapidly or slowly. Specifically, flash floods can come without warning.
They can cause outages, damage building, and slow down transportation.

When Under Flood Warning, Be Sure to Find Shelter

Do not try to walk or swim through a flooded area. Just six inches of moving water can knock you down and one foot of water can move your vehicle.

Stay off of bridges when water starts to move faster. You can determine how to best protect yourself based on the type of flooding.

Be sure to:

evacuate if told
move to higher ground
stay where you are.

How to Prepare for Flooding

know the type of flood risks in your area.
If flash flooding is a risk, then monitor signs such as heavy rainfall.
Learn your evacuation routes, shelter plans, and flash flood response.
Have supplies ready if you are required to evacuate immediately.
Check if you have flood insurance.
Keep your documents waterproof and create digital copies if you can.

What to do During a Flood

Depending on your location and the severity of the flood, go to your safe location that you have identified. If you were told to evacuate, then do so as quickly as possible. Listen to the weather radio, or local alert system for emergency information.

Do not try to walk or swim through the flooded waters and stay off bridges with fast moving waters. If your vehicle is trapped, then stay inside. If the water makes its way into your car then try to gain access to the roof. If you are trapped in a building, then go as high as you can. Do not climb into a closed attic. You may get trapped with the rising water. Lastly, if you have to get to your roof then be sure to signal for help.