What To Do (And Not Do) During A Flood

While tornadoes and hurricanes are scary and destructive, when it comes to one of the most dangerous weather events, floods are devastating. The Federal Emergency Management Agency indicates flood damage cost $17 billion annually between 2010 and 2018, and the numbers are rising nationally. This type of weather event also causes an average of 88 deaths a year in the United States.

What's perhaps most surprising about flooding disasters is that the majority of them (8 out of 10) occur away from the coastline. So if you live in the midwest, it doesn't mean you don't need to know what to do should a flood hit your town — in fact, the odds are you'll face one before coastal relatives. No need to panic though. Here are a few simple guidelines that will help keep you and your loved ones safer (and drier) should you find yourself in a flood.

Pay attention to flash flood watches and warnings

Flash floods can occur at any time as a result of a heavy downpour, storm surge, coastal storm, snow, or overflow from a local dam or other waterway. They can quickly become life-threatening, so it's important to pay attention to any alerts from the National Weather Service about your area.

If you receive a flood warning, move to a safer location, or stay put if you're already on high ground. If a flood warning turns into a flood emergency, flooding has reached a point where it can cause catastrophic damage. In that situation, you should not travel if you're in a safe, high-ground location unless your area is being ordered to evacuate.

If you are in a car

Get to a safer location immediately, which usually means higher ground. If the Emergency Alert System (EAS) is telling your area to evacuate, follow their instructions on where to go and how to get there. Don't drive around barricades as responders often use them to keep people out of flood-prone areas.

Stay off bridges over water — water can rise and take out bridges without warning. NEVER attempt to drive through high water even if you think you can make it through. Just one foot of water is enough to lift a car off the ground. If your vehicle gets stuck in moving water, stay inside. If water starts to rise inside, then get out onto the roof.

If you are on foot

DO NOT try to wade through water. All it takes is six inches of water to knock you over, especially if it's moving quickly. Floodwaters also often contain dangerous debris and can easily become electrified by downed power lines.

Seek refuge inside on a higher floor. Make sure you always have an exit route – don't get trapped in an attic with no windows, for example. If the water looks to engulf the house/property, get on the roof if you can and signal for help.

Some final dos and don'ts

DON'T use electricity in a home that's flooded or leave it on if you're evacuating. If water touches live electrical outlets, you could be electrocuted or it could cause a devastating fire.

DON'T handle wild animals in the floodwaters. They could carry disease or become aggressive especially because they're dealing with an unfamiliar situation.

DO make sure you have a weather emergency kit packed and ready to go ahead of time. If you're not sure what you should have in it, here's a list to get you started.

DON'T leave valuables or irreplaceable furniture on the lower levels of your house. Bring them upstairs whether or not you're evacuating.

DO wear protective clothing if you need to brave the flood at all. Waders or tall rubber rain boots are great if you have them. And if you have to move any debris, make sure you're wearing gloves.