Floods are one of the most common hazards in the United States. However, not all floods are alike. Some floods develop slowly, sometimes over a period of days. Flash floods can develop quickly, sometimes in just a few minutes and without any visible signs of rain. Flash floods often have a dangerous wall of roaring water that carries rocks, mud, and other debris and can sweep away most things in its path. Overland flooding occurs outside a defined river or stream, such as when a levee is breached, but still can be destructive. Flooding can also occur when a dam breaks, producing effects similar to flash floods.

If your home is by a river, lake, or canal, you are at a higher risk for flooding.

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. Even very small streams, gullies, creeks, culverts, dry streambeds, or low-lying ground that appears harmless in dry weather can flood. Every state is at risk from this hazard.

What to Do Before a Flood

To prepare for a flood, you should:

•   Avoid building in a flood-prone area unless you elevate and reinforce your home.

•   Elevate the furnace, water heater, and electric panel if susceptible to flooding.

•   Install “check valves” in sewer traps to prevent floodwater from backing up into the drains of your home.

•   Contact community officials to find out if they are planning to construct barriers (levees, beams, or floodwalls) to stop floodwater from entering the homes in your area.

•   Seal the walls in your basement with waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage.

If a flood is likely in your area, you should:

•   Listen to the radio or television for information.

•   Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.

•   Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons, and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without such typical warnings as rain clouds or heavy rain.

What to Do During a Flood

If you must prepare to evacuate, you should do the following:

•   Secure your home. If you have time, bring in outdoor furniture. Move essential items to an upper floor.

•   Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.

If you have to leave your home, remember these evacuation tips:

•   Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.

•   Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be quickly swept away.

The following are important points to remember when driving in flood conditions:

Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control and possible stalling.

A foot of water will float many vehicles.

Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles, including sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and pickup trucks.

What to Do After a Flood

After a flood, you should:

•  Listen for news reports to learn whether the community’s water supply is safe to drink.

•  Avoid floodwaters; water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. Water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.

•  Avoid moving water.

•  Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.

•  Stay away from downed power lines, and report them to the power company.

•  Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.

•  Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.

•  Use extreme caution when entering buildings; there may be hidden damage, particularly in foundations.

•  Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are serious health hazards.

•  Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwater can contain sewage and chemicals.

Familiarize yourself with these terms to help identify a flood hazard:

Flood Watch: Flooding is possible. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.

Flash Flood Watch: Flash flooding is possible. Be prepared to move to higher ground; listen to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.

Flood Warning: Flooding is occurring or will occur soon; if advised to evacuate, do so immediately.

Flash Flood Warning: A flash flood is occurring; seek higher ground on foot immediately.