Skip to main content

Tips During a Flood

What to do During a Flood

  • Obey evacuation orders.
  • When a flood or flash flood warning is issued for your area, head for higher ground and stay there.
  • Stay away from floodwaters. If you come across water flowing above your ankles, turn around, and take another route. Six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep you off of your feet.
  • If you come upon a flooded road while driving, turn around and take another route. According to FEMA:
    • Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most cars, causing loss of control and potential stalling.
    • A foot of water will float many vehicles.
    • Two feet of rushing water will carry away most vehicles, including SUVs and pickups.
  • If you get caught on a flooded road and water is rising around your vehicle but the water is not moving, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground.
  • If you get caught on a flooded road with moving water rising around your vehicle, you need to act quickly:
    • Roll the window down immediately. It may be your only way out.
    • Get on the roof of the vehicle.
    • Stay low and hang on.
  • If you are stuck in your vehicle underwater, you need to act quickly:
    • Find a pocket of trapped air, usually against the rear window or roof.
    • Roll a window down slowly, take a deep breath and be ready to swim.
    • If the window won’t open, break the window with a rescue tool such as a Swiss Army knife.