Protect Yourself from the Flood Hazard

Protect Yourself from the Flood Hazard

Turn Around Don't Drown

Each year, more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other thunderstorm related hazard. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that over half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water. The next highest percentage of flood-related deaths is due to walking into or near flood waters. People underestimate the force and power of water. Many of the deaths occur in cars swept downstream. Many of these drownings are preventable. Never drive around the barriers blocking a flooded road. The road may have collapsed under that water.  A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult. It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars and just 2 feet of rushing water can carry away SUVs and trucks. It is NEVER safe to drive or walk into flood waters.

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.
  • Sign up today our free E-notification Service that sends email and text notifications in an emergency.
  • Know your evacuation route.
  • 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.
 
Develop a safety plan for your family and pets in case of evacuation.
  • 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 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, check the American Red Cross Shelters Information. If you have pets and plan to go to a shelter, call to inquire whether the shelter can accommodate your pets.
 
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.
  • Assemble a survival kit in advance that has items such as a first-aid kit, bottled water, flashlights, batteries, etc. Visit Ready.gov for more information.
  • Put important papers and insurance policies in a safe place away from potential flooding.
  • Fill necessary prescriptions, and stock up on any necessary medical supplies.
  • Have enough cash for a few days. ATMs and credit card readers require power to operate.
  • Store the important documents you will need to start your recovery.
  • Review your homeowners or renters insurance policy.
  • Prepare or update a list of your home's contents by taking pictures or videotaping each room in the house.