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.
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
- Visit the FEMA Flood Map Service Center and search for your home using your address to understand your flood risk
Make Plans to Stay Safe
- You may have little to no warning — flash floods can be sudden and violent
- 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 prone to river floods — review your evacuation plan so you can leave quickly if officials advise
- Storm surge: Be prepared to evacuate quickly — 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
Turn Around! Don't Drown!
Never walk, swim, or drive through floodwater.
- Just 6 inches (15 cm) of fast-moving floodwater can knock you over
- Just 12 inches (30 cm) can carry your vehicle away
- Do not drive around road barriers — they are there for your safety
Returning Home After a Flood
- If possible, dry your home and everything in it within 24 to 48 hours
- If you cannot return home, assume you have mold growth
- When it is safe to return, completely dry everything and clean up mold within 24 to 48 hours
- 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
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.
- Gasoline, propane, natural gas, or charcoal-burning devices should NEVER be used inside a home, basement, garage, tent, or camper
- Do not use these devices even outside near an open window
Prevent Injuries
- Understand the dangers you may face — 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
- Wear boots, long pants, work gloves, eyewear, and an N95 respirator during cleanup
- Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water
- Cleaning up is a big job — work with a partner and take frequent breaks
Protect Your Health
- Flooding can contaminate drinking water — check with your local public health department about water safety
- Stay away from floodwaters — they may contain sewage, sharp items, and chemicals that can make you ill
- When in doubt, throw it out — don't eat food that got wet or warm
Take Care of Yourself
It is normal to have a lot of bad feelings, stress, or anxiety after a flood. Eat healthy food and get enough sleep to help you deal with stress.
Contact the Disaster Distress Helpline for free if you need to talk to someone: Call or text 1-800-985-5990.