Flooding

Flooding is the most common natural disaster in the United States and can develop quickly with little warning. Floods can damage homes and infrastructure, disrupt transportation, and create dangerous conditions that can lead to injury or death. Ready. Set. Go. encourages residents to be prepared by understanding their flood risk (Ready), assembling emergency supplies and staying informed (Set), and knowing how to respond safely during a flood, including moving to higher ground and never driving through floodwaters (Go).

Stay Ready for Flooding

Before the next big rain event, prepare yourself and your home for flooding:

1. Get Flood Smart: Check with your community or find a FEMA Floodplain Map to see if you live in a flood-prone area.

2. Protect Your Loved Ones: Make a disaster plan for your household, including your pet, in case of evacuation.

3. Get the Info and Where to Go: Make sure you’re subscribed for your community’s warning messages, and become aware of your emergency signals, evacuation routes, and emergency shelter locations.

4. Protect Your Valuables: Heavy rain event can lead to basement backups, so don’t store valuables in the basement (especially on the floor!). Use shelving to store items above the basement floor, and use plastic tubs with lids for storage.

After the Flood

1. Stay Out of the Water: Do not walk, wade, drive, or swim through standing floodwater – which may contain sewage, bacteria, chemicals, and debris.

2. Prevent Electrocutions and Fires: If your home is flooded and you can safely do so, turn off your electrical and gas utilities.

3. Beware of Hazards: Avoid downed power lines and potential structural damage.

4. Protect Yourself: When cleaning up, use protective gear such as rubber boots, gloves, and N95 masks.