Floods

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.

Flood Watch vs Flood Warning

A Flood Watch is issued when flooding is possible. Stay tuned to trusted news sources and be ready to seek higher ground.

A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is happening or about to happen. Take action, especially if you’re in a flood prone area. Never drive into flood waters. Turn around, don’t drown.

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.

Safety tips if you are driving

Never drive through flooded roadways. Just six inches of water can cause a vehicle to lose control or stall, and one foot of moving water can sweep a vehicle away.

• Turn around and find an alternate route if a road is flooded.
• Do not drive around or move barricades or road closure signs.
• Keep your gas tank as full as possible during flood threats in case evacuation becomes necessary.
• Carry an emergency kit in your vehicle, including a phone charger, blanket, flashlight, first aid kit, and maps.
• Be especially cautious at night, when it is harder to see flooded roads and washed-out areas.
• If floodwaters begin rising around your vehicle, call 911, leave your vehicle, and move to higher ground if you can do so safely.