Preparing for a Flood

  • Visit Floodsmart to find out if your home is at risk for a flood.
  • If you are in a high flood risk area:
    • Elevate the furnace, water heater, and electric panel in your home.
    • Construct barriers to stop floodwater from entering the building and seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds, if possible.
    • Verify that you have flood insurance, which is not typically covered with property insurance. See "Flood Insurance" for more information.
  • Understand the difference between a flood watch and a flood warning.
  • Do not attempt to cross a flowing stream on foot. Even water only six inches deep, when moving at a high rate of speed, can knock you off your feet.
  • Never drive through flooded areas or standing water. Shallow, swiftly flowing water can wash a car from a roadway.
  • Roadbeds may not be intact under the water. If a vehicle stalls, abandon it immediately and seek higher ground. Rapidly rising water may engulf the vehicle and its occupants.
  • Be especially cautious at night when it's harder to recognize flood dangers.
  • Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams and washes, particularly during threatening conditions.