Call 911 right away if:
- Someone is trapped in floodwater or a vehicle in water
- You are told to evacuate, or water is rising around your home
- Someone was pulled from water and is coughing, struggling to breathe, or not breathing (start CPR if needed)
Most flood deaths happen when people drive or walk into floodwater. You can’t tell how deep or fast the water is, and the road under it may be washed away.
During a flood
- Leave right away if officials tell you to evacuate.
- Get to higher ground if water is rising. Don’t wait to be told.
- Turn around, don’t drown. Never walk, swim, or drive through floodwater. Don’t drive around barriers.
- If your car is trapped in fast-moving water, stay inside. If water starts rising inside the car, get out and onto the roof, and call 911.
- If you are trapped in a building, go to the highest level. Only go onto the roof if you must, and signal for help. Don’t climb into a closed attic, where you could be trapped by rising water.
- Stay away from power lines and electrical wires.
After a flood
- Go home only when officials say it’s safe.
- Stay out of floodwater. It can contain sewage, chemicals, sharp objects, and live electrical wires.
- Throw out food that touched floodwater, and food that wasn’t kept cold during a power outage.
- Follow local water advice. If there is a boil-water notice, use bottled water or boil water before drinking or cooking.
- Clean and dry your home within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold. Wear gloves, boots, and a mask.
- Never run a generator or pressure washer indoors. See carbon monoxide safety.
Get ready before a flood
- Know if your area floods and learn your evacuation routes.
- Sign up for local emergency alerts.
- Keep an emergency kit and copies of important papers in a waterproof container.
See a doctor or go to urgent care if:
- You have a wound that touched floodwater, especially if it gets red, swollen, or oozes
- You get diarrhea, vomiting, or a rash after contact with floodwater