Floods
Flood Quick Tips:
STAY INFORMED
- Flooding is possible after heavy storms or steady rainfall. Even moderate amounts of rain can cause flash floods and general flooding. Having an emergency plan can help protect you, your loved ones, and your belongings when flooding happens.
- Local government and other local news are resources for up-to-date information about conditions in your area.
- Use official TV, radio, and county emergency services channels to get the information you need to be safe. Keep listening for updates. Do not leave your home or where you are staying unless authorities tell you it is safe to do so. If they tell you to evacuate the area, follow their instructions.
- Sign up for local emergency alerts (listoscalifornia.org/alerts) to help you know when to shelter in place with a Stay Box of essential supplies or when it’s time to grab your Go Bag and move to safer ground.
PREPARE FOR AND STAY SAFE DURING FLOODING
- A flash food can develop quickly, happen anywhere, and can sweep away most things in its path. Pay attention to weather reports. Heavy rainfall can lead to flash flooding and mudslides.
- Be ready to evacuate all people and animals to higher ground if ordered.
- If trapped inside by floodwaters, move to higher floors or a roof, but not attics. Call 9-1-1.
- Never drive into flooded areas. A foot – or 12 inches – of water will float many vehicles. When you see flooding, turn around.
- Stay inside your car if it is trapped in rapidly moving water. If possible, try to get to your roof if water rises inside the car.
- Do not walk through moving water. As little as six inches of water can make you fall. Often you can’t tell how deep it is or what the water is hiding.
- For your safety, do not drive or walk through flooded locations and areas with downed trees. These are places where there may be downed power lines. Always assume downed power lines are energized and dangerous. Call 9-1-1 to report downed lines.
- Never drive around barricades. Local responders use them to safely direct traffic out of flooded areas or if roads are blocked or closed due to collapsed pavement or debris.
- When water rapidly accumulates in the ground, mudslides can happen. Watch for mudslides in areas with steep slopes and runoff, construction, burn scars and tilting telephone poles, trees, or fences.
- Storms that bring flooding can also bring downed power lines. Prepare for any medical needs that rely on power and have enough water and food that doesn’t need refrigeration for every member of your household for at least three days.
STAY SAFE AFTER FLOODING
- Wait until officials say it is safe to go home.
- It may look just like muddy rainwater but beware that exposure to floodwater can make you sick. Floodwater may contain toilet waste, hazardous chemicals, dead animals, and heavy or sharp objects.
- Do not let children play in floodwater or play with toys or anything that got wet until they have been disinfected.
- Do not let any pets play in or drink from standing floodwater or puddles.
- Floods can make your water unsafe to use or drink. Listen for official announcements on the safety of public water. Water authorities will tell you if your tap water is not safe or how to make it safe by boiling or disinfecting.
- Flooding in your home can make your food unsafe to eat. Other than undamaged cans and metal pouches, throw out any fresh or packaged food and drinks that floodwater touched.
- If you had power loss of 6-8 hours or more, throw away all frozen or refrigerated foods and medicines. When in doubt, throw it out!
- If you have flood damage, contact your local emergency manager. Find other recovery resources on government websites.