Flood Safety Tips

Take these important steps to reduce the harm caused by flooding.

Each year, more deaths occur due to flooding than any other hazard related to thunderstorms. The most common flood deaths occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water. Fortunately, you can take steps to protect yourself, your family, and your home.

During a Flood Watch or Warning

• Gather emergency supplies.
• Listen to your local radio or television station for updates.
• Have immunization records handy (or know the year of your last tetanus shot).
  • Store immunization records in a waterproof container.
• Fill bathtubs, sinks, gallon jars, and plastic soda bottles so that you will have a supply of clean water.
  • Sanitize sinks/tubs first by cleaning them using bleach. Then rinse and fill with clean water.
• Bring in outdoor possessions (lawn furniture, grills, trash cans) or tie them down securely.
• If evacuation appears necessary: turn off all utilities at the main power switch and close the main gas valve.
• Leave areas subject to flooding: low spots, canyons, washes, etc.

After Flooding Has Occurred

• Do not drink flood water, or use it to wash dishes, brush teeth, or wash/prepare food. Drink clean, safe water.
• If you evacuated: return to your home only after local authorities have said it is safe to do so.
• Listen to water advisory from local authorities to find out if your water is safe for drinking and bathing.
  • During a water advisory, use only bottled, boiled, or treated water for drinking, cooking, etc.
• Avoid driving through flooded areas and standing water. As little as six inches of water can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
• When in doubt, throw it out! Throw away any food and bottled water that comes/may have come into contact with flood water.
• Prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Use generators at least 20 feet from any doors or windows.

The initial damage caused by a flood is not the only risk. Standing flood waters can also spread infectious diseases, bring chemical hazards, and cause injuries.

After you return home, if you find that your home was flooded, practice safe cleaning. Remove and throw out drywall and insulation that was contaminated with flood water or sewage. Throw out items that cannot be washed and cleaned with bleach: mattresses, pillows, carpeting, carpet padding, and stuffed toys.

Use household laundry bleach to clean dirt and mold off of items like floors, stoves, sinks, countertops, plates, and tools.

More Information

• Be Ready! Floods infographic. [319 KB]
• Visit CDC’s extensive information on flooding.
• See recommendations from the Department of Homeland Security.