Flooding is the temporary overflow of water onto land that is normally dry. Flooding can happen because of weather events like hurricanes, rain, and snow storms. Floods can happen slowly or quickly, and they can damage roads and buildings. Make a plan for what you might do if a flood occurs. You can use the My Emergency Plan Workbook to help.
Before a Flood
Find out if you are in an area that is at risk for flooding. You can use the Flood Map Service Center from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help.
Think about whether flood insurance is right for you. Homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flooding and it can take up to 30 days for a flood insurance policy to go into effect. Learn more through the National Flood Insurance Program.
Sign up for CodeRED to receive emergency alerts.
Follow the National Weather Service for weather updates in your area.
Think about whether enrolling in RISNER is right for you.
Make sure your home emergency kit is ready. Add rubber boots, waterproof gloves, and insect repellent. For more information on how to build an emergency kit, use the My Emergency Plan Workbook or visit the Emergencies web page.
Make sure your car emergency kit and go-kit are ready.
Fill your vehicle’s gas tank.
Get your home ready for a flood by:
- Making sure your clean water containers are full;
- Putting important documents in waterproof containers;
- Clear debris from around your house and gutters;
- Tying down or bringing outdoor items inside;
- Knowing how to turn off utilities (like electric power, gas, water supplies) if you have to evacuate;
- Getting a fire extinguisher and making sure everyone in the household knows where it is and how to use it; and
- Installing backflow valves or plugs in drains, toilets, and other sewer connections to prevent floodwaters from entering.
During a Flood
Follow guidance from local officials and first responders. If you are told to evacuate, evacuate immediately.
Follow local weather updates.
Avoid contact with flood water. Floodwater may contain harmful substances that can cause disease or injury, like sewage or debris.
If you come into contact with floodwater, wash your hands with soap and clean water immediately.
Do not eat food that has come into contact with floodwater.
Do not walk or drive through floodwater. Six inches of moving floodwater can knock a person of their feet. Twelve inches of moving floodwater can carry away a small car. Remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
After a Flood
You may be able to get help from the federal government after a natural disaster like a flood. Register for disaster assistance online.
After a flood, there may be harmful things in your home or business, like sewage or mold. Take steps to re-enter your home or business safely:
- If there is standing water, turn off the power from a dry location. If you can’t turn off power from a dry location, call an electrician to turn off the power.
- Have an electrician check the electrical system before turning the power on again.
- If the home or business has been closed for several days because of flooding, there may be poor air quality. Open doors and windows to allow fresh air to circulate. Let it air out for at least 30 minutes before you re-enter.
- Remove wet carpets, furniture, or bedding as soon as possible to prevent mold growth.
- To avoid mold growth, dry out flooded areas within 48 hours.
- Pay attention to any boil water advisories that may be in place. Often times after storms and flooding, boil water advisories are necessary to ensure drinking water is clear of any sewage or toxins.
For insurance purposes, take photographs of any damaged property that you have to throw away. You should always check in with your insurance company before disposing of anything.
How to clean up safely after a flood:
- If there is a large amount of mold or flood damage, you may want to hire a professional to help you clean up. If you are a homeowner, ask your homeowner’s insurance company for a recommendation. If you are live in a rental property, ask your renters insurance company for a recommendation.
- Wear pants, long sleeves, boots, and rubber gloves to protect yourself from germs in the water, mold on surfaces, and chemicals in cleaning supplies.
- Wear goggles and an N-95 mask to protect yourself from mold. You can buy these items at a hardware store.
- Use soap or cleaning products with a disinfectant to kill germs. Do not mix bleach with other cleaning supplies in the same bucket.
- Open windows, turn on kitchen and bathroom ventilators, and use fans to improve the air quality in your work area.
- Avoid moving dust particles or mold spores through activities like dry sweeping. Use water to mist areas that contain dust. Clean up with a wet/dry shop vac.
- Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when you are done cleaning.
- Do not pump water into the sewage system. Pump water into your yard or into storm water drain pipes.
- Yards that have been contaminated by flooded sewage systems should be cleaned with hydrated lime. Hydrated lime can be found at lawn and garden stores or lumber yards. Keep children and animals away from areas where lime has been put down until the lime is no longer visible.
People who have asthma, allergies, or other respiratory concerns may be more sensitive to mold. Talk to your doctor if you aren’t sure whether it is safe for you to clean up after a flood.
Make sure you are up to date with your tetanus vaccines. Tetanus is a severe and possibly fatal disease that is caused by the bacteria, Clostridium tetani. These bacteria can enter the body through open wounds or injuries. Being up to date with your tetanus vaccine is the best way to prevent tetanus. If you’re unsure if you need a tetanus vaccine, ask your doctor or RIDOH.
You may need a tetanus booster if:
- It has been more than 10 years since your last tetanus vaccination.
- You have a puncture wound and it has been more than 5 years since your last tetanus vaccination.
- You have a wound that has come in contact with floodwater, and it has been more than 5 years since your last tetanus vaccination.
Words to Know
Evacuation: Floods and other emergencies, like wildfires or hurricanes, can make certain areas unsafe. When this happens, local officials may tell people to evacuate, or to leave their homes, and to move to a shelter in a safe area until the danger has passed.
Flash Flood: A flash flood is flooding that begins very soon (within six hours) after heavy rainfall, a broken dam or levee, or a mudslide. A flash flood happens when rain falls too fast and too long and the ground can’t absorb the water.
Flood Warning: A flood is coming or is already happening. You should take action.
Flood Watch: A flood is possible. You should be prepared.
Shelter-in-Place: During an emergency, local officials may tell people to shelter-in-place. This means that it is safest to stay where you are—in your home, at your job, or other location—until the danger has passed.