Flooding is the rising of river waters that can cause catastrophic damage and can strike almost without warning or gradually get worse over time. Make sure you are prepared in case of a flood.
A flood is caused by heavy rain, which leads to rising river waters. This rise in water can lead to extreme damage, injury, or loss of life. Flooding is the deadliest natural disaster in America.
Monitor local river forecasts
Basic Tips
- Turn Around, Don't Drown! ®
- Avoid walking or driving through flood waters.
- Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and 2 feet of water can sweep your vehicle away.
- If there is a chance of flash flooding, move immediately to higher ground. Flash floods are the number 1 cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S.
- 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.
- Know what to do before, during, and after a flood.