Floods
Floods are both very common and very dangerous. They can occur because of short prolonged periods of rain, tropical storms and hurricanes, or dam breaches. It is important to take precautions before a flood happens. Some floods can develop slowly while flash floods can develop in just a few minutes.
Know your Risk
What
Flooding is a temporary 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. There are many possible causes of floods including heavy rain or snowmelt, coastal storms and storm surge, waterway overflow from being blocked with debris or ice, or overflow of levees, dams, or waste water systems, Flooding can occur slowly over many days or happen very quickly with little or no warning, called flash floods.
Where
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 near a river, stream, or culvert; along a coast; or downstream from a dam or levee.
When
Flooding can occur during every 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.
Basic Safety Tips
Turn Around, Don’t Drown! ®
- Avoid walking or driving through flood waters.
- Do not drive over bridges that are over fast-moving floodwaters. Floodwaters can scour foundation material from around the footings and make the bridge unstable.
- Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
- If there is a chance of flash flooding, move immediately to higher ground.
- If floodwaters rise around your car but the water is not moving, abandon the car and move to higher ground. Do not leave the car and enter moving water.
- Avoid camping or parking along streams, rivers, and creeks during heavy rainfall. These areas can flood quickly and with little warning.
Flood watch
Flood Watch = “Be Aware.” Conditions are right for flooding to occur in your area.
Steps to Take
- Turn on your TV/radio. You will receive the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.
- Know where to go. You may need to reach higher ground quickly and on foot. Have a family emergency plan ready.
- Build or restock your emergency kit . Include a flashlight, batteries, cash, and first aid supplies. Check your emergency kit regularly.
- Sign up for Alert Montgomery to get updates directly to your cell phone or email.
Prepare Your Home
- Bring in outdoor furniture and move important indoor items to the highest possible floor. This will help protect them from flood damage.
- Disconnect electrical appliances and do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water. You could be electrocuted.
- If instructed, turn off your gas and electricity at the main switch or valve. This helps prevent fires and explosions.
Flood warning
Flood Warning = "Take Action!" Flooding is either happening or will happen shortly.
Steps to Take
- Move immediately to higher ground or stay on high ground.Get out of areas subject to flooding. This includes dips, low spots, canyons, washes etc.
- Evacuate if directed.
- Avoid walking or driving through flood waters. Turn Around, Don’t Drown®! Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
- Avoid areas already flooded, especially if the water is flowing fast. Do not attempt to cross flowing streams. Turn Around Don't Drown®!
- Road beds may be washed out under flood waters. NEVER drive through flooded roadways. Turn Around Don't Drown®!
- Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams and washes, particularly during threatening conditions.
- Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.
After a flood
- Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
- Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded and watch out for debris. Floodwaters often erode roads and walkways.
- Do not attempt to drive through areas that are still flooded.
- Avoid standing water as it may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
- Photograph damage to your property for insurance purposes.
- When returning to your home after a hurricane or flood, be aware that flood water may contain sewage. To learn about protecting yourself and your family when returning to your home, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'s website on flood water after a disaster or emergency.
Remember:
- A Flood Watch means flooding is possible.
- A Flood Warning means flooding is occurring or will occur soon (and evacuations may be necessary).
- A Flash Flood Watch means flash flooding may be possible.
- A Flash Flood Warning means flash flooding is occurring; seek higher ground.
If an event occurs that could lead to flooding, listen to the radio, watch television, and pay attention to any information from Alert Montgomery , for instructions and warnings.
For more information about Turn Around Don't Drown ® , visit NOAA.gov