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What to do in a flood: Turn Around, Don't Drown

Emergency numbers differ by country. This page uses 911, the number for the United States and Canada. Many other countries use 112, 999, or another number. Find the number for your country.

Floods can rise in minutes or build over days, and they kill more people when they cross flooded roads than in almost any other way. This page helps you move to safety, avoid the most dangerous mistakes, and stay safe once the water goes down.

Do this now

  1. Move to higher ground right away if water is rising or you are told to leave. Do not wait to see how bad it gets.
  2. Never walk, swim, or drive through floodwater. Turn around and find another route.
  3. Take your phone, medications, and documents if you can do it in under a minute. Leave the rest.
  4. If you are trapped in a building, go to the highest floor. Do not climb into a closed attic, because you may be trapped by rising water.
  5. Call your local emergency number (911 in the United States and Canada, 112 across the European Union, 999 in the United Kingdom) if you are in danger.

Turn around, do not drown

Moving water is much stronger than it looks. The US National Weather Service teaches "Turn Around, Don't Drown" because people often misjudge it.

  • Just 15 centimeters (6 inches) of fast moving water can knock an adult off their feet.
  • About 30 centimeters (1 foot) of moving water can carry away many cars, and 60 centimeters (2 feet) can carry away most vehicles, including large ones.
  • The road under the water may be washed out, and you cannot see it.
  • Floodwater can hide debris, open drains, and downed power lines.

If your car stalls in rising water, leave it at once and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. If water is rising fast and you cannot get out, climb onto the roof and call for help. Cars can be replaced. People cannot.

Warnings and what they mean

Terms vary by country, but most weather services use a similar pattern. A watch means flooding is possible, and a warning means flooding is happening or about to happen. A flash flood is a very fast flood, often caused by heavy rain, a dam or levee failure, or a sudden release of water, and it can happen with no rain where you are.

If a flash flood warning is issued for your area, move to higher ground immediately. Do not wait for water to arrive. Sign up for alerts from your national weather service or disaster agency, and keep a battery or hand crank radio.

Evacuating

Leave early if officials tell you to. Roads flood and jam, and rescue teams may not be able to reach you later.

  • Take your go bag from your emergency kit.
  • Turn off the electricity at the main breaker only if the area around the panel is dry and you can reach it safely. Never touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
  • Do not stop to move belongings that you can replace.
  • Take pets with you, and bring their food and carriers.
  • Follow the routes officials give you, and do not take shortcuts.
  • Tell someone where you are going, using your family plan.

Never go into a basement or low area that is filling with water. If you cannot leave, move upward and take a phone, a flashlight, and something bright to signal with.

... danger "Floodwater and electricity" Water can carry electric current from power lines and from wiring in your home. If you see downed lines or sparks, stay far away and report it to the utility or your local emergency number. Never use electric appliances that have been in water.

If you are on foot or in a boat

Do not wade through moving water, even if it looks shallow. If you must cross standing water, use a stick to test the ground in front of you. Keep children and pets out of floodwater. Boats and kayaks are for trained rescuers, and a small boat in a flooded street can hit hidden objects and overturn.

After the flood

Stay away until officials say the area is safe. Floods leave hazards that can hurt you well after the water drops.

  • Floodwater is often contaminated with sewage, chemicals, and fuel. Avoid contact, and wash your hands with soap and clean water after any contact.
  • Do not drink tap water unless officials say it is safe. Boil it or use bottled water if told to.
  • Throw away food that touched floodwater, and food from a refrigerator or freezer that lost power for a long time.
  • Check for structural damage before you go inside. Look for cracks, sagging floors, and a leaning wall.
  • Do not use a generator, charcoal grill, or camp stove inside. Carbon monoxide is a silent killer.
  • Wear boots, gloves, and eye protection when cleaning. Dry out the house as quickly as you can, because mold can start to grow within a day or two.

... warning "Roads and bridges" Roads weaken under floodwater and can collapse under the weight of a car afterward. Do not drive around barricades, and stay off roads until you are told they are clear.

Take photos of damage before you clean, and keep your receipts. Rules for insurance and assistance differ by country, so contact your local disaster agency or insurer. In the United States, FEMA and your state emergency office handle disaster assistance.