Overview
Flood effects can be local, impacting a neighborhood or community. Flash floods can develop quickly, sometimes in just a few minutes or without any visible signs of rain. According to the National Hurricane Center, inland flooding has been responsible for half the deaths associated with tropical cyclones in the last 30 years. Be aware of flood hazards no matter where you live, but especially if you live in a low-lying area, near water or downstream from a dam.
Prepare
- Know your flood risk! See the image to the right to see if your are in a high risk area. Keep in mind, flooding can happen anywhere, regardless of your flood zone. You can also look up your address on FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center. For more information on Flood Zones, click HERE.
- Purchase Flood insurance. This will help to mitigate the cost of repairs and help you to recover more fully.
- Take inventory with photos of your property and valuables before a flood happens.
- Sign up for weather alerts, Monitor weather and gather necessary supplies to mitigate loss like tarps and sandbags.
- For more information on flooding, click here!
Protect
- If flooding occurs where you are, stay out of the flood water. There can be hidden debris and microorganisms that can cause sickness and/or injury.
- Stay out of swift water. Moving water can sweep you away at a moments notice. 1 foot of water can carry a car away.
- Evacuate if advised to do so.
Recover
- Stay away from disaster areas. First responders may be conducting search and rescue efforts and conditions may not be safe.
- Throw food away that has come into contact with floodwater.
- Take pictures of damage and flooding before removing debris, repairing, and cleaning up.
