Use local alerts and warning systems to get information and expert advice.Return home only when authorities say it is safe. Listen to authorities for information and instructions.You may become trapped by rising floodwater. If trapped in a building, then go to its highest level.Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams, rivers or creeks, particularly during threatening conditions.Stay off of bridges over fast-moving water.Just six inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without typical warnings such as rain clouds or heavy rain. Be aware of stream, drainage channels, canyons and other areas known to flood suddenly.Listen to the Emergency Alert System, NOAA Weather Radio or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions.Local responders use them to safely direct traffic out of flooded areas. If told to evacuate, do so immediately.Get flood coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Homeowner’s policies do not cover flooding. It typically takes up to 30 days for a policy to go into effect and can protect the life you've built. Purchase or renew a flood insurance policy.Create password-protected digital copies. Keep important documents in a waterproof container.The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts. Sign up for your community’s warning system.Visit FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center for information. Know types of flood risk in your area.Build an emergency go kit and make a family communication plan.Flash Flood Warning-A flash flood is occurring seek higher ground on foot immediately.Flood Warning-Flooding is occurring or will occur soon if advised to evacuate, do so immediately.Be prepared to move to higher ground listen to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio or television for information. Flash Flood Watch-Flash flooding is possible.Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio or television for information. Even small streams, gullies, creeks, culverts, dry streambeds or low-lying ground that appear harmless in dry weather can flood.įamiliarize yourself with these terms to help identify a flood hazard: Be aware of flood hazards no matter where you live or work, but especially if you are in low-lying areas, near water, behind a levee or downstream from a dam. Flash floods often have a dangerous wall of roaring water carrying rocks, mud and other debris.Īnywhere it rains, it can flood.

Flooding can cause power outages, traffic issues, damage to buildings and landslides.įloods may develop slowly over time, or quickly with no warning as in a flash flood. Floods can be local, impacting a neighborhood or community, or very large, affecting entire river basins and multiple states. Failing to evacuate flooded areas, entering flood waters, or remaining after a flood has passed can result in injury or death. Flooding, the temporary overflow of water onto land that is normally dry, is the most common hazard in the United States and Arizona.

Flash flood watch