Natural Disasters
Flooding
Always call 911 if you are in immediate danger and need emergency help.
Prepare for flooding
For water and wastewater facilities:
Suggested activities to help facilities prepare. Please note, the linked information is written for hurricane preparedness but much of it will still apply to flooding preparedness activities.
During flooding
State and local response agencies are the primary responders for people who are concerned about or were affected by flooding. Find your state emergency office or agency from FEMA.
Avoid contact with flood water due to potentially elevated levels of contamination associated with raw sewage and other hazardous or toxic substances that may be the flood water. EPA and the Department of Health and Human Services urge everyone in contact with flood waters to follow these guidelines:
- Wash your hands before drinking and eating
- Wash frequently using soap -- especially disinfecting soap
- Do not smoke
- Limit direct contact with contaminated flood water
- Report cuts or open wounds, report all symptoms of illness
- Keep vaccinations current
Other sites related to recovery
- FEMA: Flood
- Ready.gov: Flood safety awareness
- Disaster Assistance: Locate and apply for disaster assistance
- USA.gov: Flood response and recovery
- FloodSmart.gov: Learn about the national flood insurance program, determine your flood risk, find an agent who serves your area,
Learn what to do before, during, and after a flood
Recover after flooding
People get sick or die each year from carbon monoxide or "CO" poisoning due to unsafe use of generators.
- ALERT: Generator exhaust is toxic. Always put generators outside well away from doors, windows, and vents. Never use a generator inside homes, garages, crawlspaces, sheds, or similar areas. Carbon monoxide (CO) is deadly, can build up quickly, and linger for hours. More information.
- Never try to heat your home using a "combustion appliances" like a gas stove, oven, barbeque grill, or dryer. Never operate any gas-burning heater or other appliance in a poorly vented or closed room, or where you are sleeping.
- Listen: Public Service Announcement about carbon monoxide (also en español)
- en español: Proteja su vida y la de su familia: Evite el envenenamiento con monóxido de carbono (español) - conozca los síntomas del envenenamiento con monóxido de carbono.
Never attempt to drive a vehicle through flood water. Attempting to drive through flood water is a leading cause of flood-related injury and death.
Listen to or read EPA safety messages (PSAs) about flooding and cleanup precautions.
Drinking water and food:
- Boiling water information– To kill all major water-borne bacterial pathogens, bring water to a rolling boil for 1 minute. Boil 3 minutes at elevations above 5280 ft (1 mile or 1.6 km). Getting and disinfecting water.
- Keep food safe during an emergency Don't test spoiled food by tasting it!
Alert: Boil Drinking Water
If your water may not be safe, bring drinking water to a rolling boil for 1 minute to kill water-borne diseases.
Private wells and septic systems:
- Home septic systems - Do not use the sewage system until water in the soil absorption field is lower than the water level around the house. If you have a home-based or small business and your septic system has received chemicals, take extra precautions to prevent contact with water or inhaling fumes. Proper clean-up depends on the kinds of chemicals in the wastewater.
- Home or private drinking water wells. Warning - Do not turn on the pump. There is danger of electrical shock and damage to your well or pump if flooded. Do not drink or wash with well water.Water from a private well that has been flooded may be contaminated.
Flooding and mold:
- Mold is potential serious problem. Mold can cause or aggravate respiratory or other health problems.
- Dry or discard wet items within 24-48 hours to avoid mold.
- Flood cleanup: dealing with mold
- Mold cleanup in schools and commercial buildings. Information for building managers, custodians, or others responsible for maintenance.
- Mold, moisture, and your home Tips and techniques - mold cleanup guidelines
- About reentering a flooded home, from the CDC.
Children and older adults:
- Protect children after a flood. Be sure children are protected from chemicals and diseases in flood water. Behavior such as crawling or placing objects in their mouths can increase a child's risk of exposure and sickness.
- Make sure older adults have enough water to drink. Dehydration can be life threatening to an older adult.
For water and wastewater facilities:
Post-flood activities - suggested activities to help facilities recover (written for hurricanes but can apply to most any disaster type).
Post-disaster clean-up and renovation:
Natural disasters such as tornadoes, hurricanes or floods often result in the need for emergency renovations to damaged homes and other structures. When common renovation activities like sanding, cutting, and demolition occur in structures that contain lead-based paint, they can create lead-based paint hazards, including lead-contaminated dust. Lead-based paint hazards are harmful to adults, particularly pregnant women, and children.
Important information about post-disaster renovations and lead-based paint