UpOnly Learning Presents: Family Emergency Guide — Natural Disasters, Power and Internet Outages

Family Emergency Guide

Floods

Last checked: October 26, 2026

Official guidanceThis guide summarizes official guidance. It does not replace instructions from local officials. In the United States, call 911 in an emergency. If your 911 call does not go through.

Related pages: Emergency Kit Checklist · Family Emergency Plan

What it is

  • Ready.gov says, "Flooding is a temporary overflow of water onto land that is normally dry."[1]
  • Ready.gov says floods are the most common disaster in the United States.[1]
  • Ready.gov says floods can be caused by rain, snow, coastal storms, storm surges, and overflows of dams or water systems.[1]
  • Ready.gov says flash floods can develop quickly, sometimes with no warning.[1]
  • Ready.gov says "just six inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away."[1]

For students

  • The National Weather Service says, "It is NEVER safe to drive or walk into flood waters."[4]
  • NWS says, "A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult."[4]
  • Ready.gov says, "Turn Around, Don't Drown!"[1]
  • Ready.gov says, "Children should not take part in disaster cleanup work."[1]

Before

  • Ready.gov says to check your flood risk with FEMA's Flood Map Service Center and sign up for your community's warning system.[1]
  • Ready.gov says homeowner's insurance does not cover flooding, and a new flood policy can take up to 30 days to start.[1]
  • Ready.gov says to make a household plan that includes pets, and to practice evacuation routes and shelter plans.[1]
  • Ready.gov says to stock non-perishable food, cleaning supplies, and several days of water.[1]
  • Ready.gov says to keep important documents in a waterproof container and make password-protected digital copies.[1]
  • Ready.gov says to move valuables to higher levels and clear drains and gutters.[1]

During

  • Ready.gov says to evacuate right away if you are told to, and never drive around barricades.[1]
  • Ready.gov says not to walk, swim, or drive through floodwater: "Turn Around. Don't Drown!"[1]
  • Ready.gov says to stay off bridges over fast-moving water.[1]
  • Ready.gov says that if you are trapped in a car in fast-moving water, stay inside, and if water rises inside the car, get on the roof.[1]
  • Ready.gov says that if you are trapped in a building, go to the highest level, go onto the roof only if necessary, and do not climb into a closed attic.[1]
  • Ready.gov says to listen to the Emergency Alert System, NOAA Weather Radio, or local alerts.[1]
  • NWS says that during a Flash Flood Warning, "If you are in a flood prone area move immediately to high ground."[2]

After

  • Ready.gov says, "Return home only when authorities say it is safe."[1]
  • Ready.gov says, "Children should not take part in disaster cleanup work."[1]
  • Ready.gov says people with asthma, other lung conditions, or weak immune systems should stay out of buildings with visible or smelly mold or indoor leaks.[1]
  • Ready.gov says floodwater may be contaminated or contain debris, so avoid wading in it.[1]
  • Ready.gov says to watch for snakes and other animals.[1]
  • Ready.gov says, "Use a generator or other gasoline-powered machinery ONLY outdoors and away from windows."[1]

Watch vs. Warning (NWS)

  • Flood Watch: "Be Prepared" NWS says a Flood Watch "does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible."[2]
  • Flood Warning: "Take Action!" "A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring."[2]
  • Flash Flood Warning: "Take Action!" "A Flash Flood Warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring."[2]
  • Flood Advisory: "Be Aware" "A Flood Advisory is issued when flooding is not expected to be bad enough to issue a warning."[2]
  • Coastal flooding from hurricanes is covered by Storm Surge alerts on the Hurricanes page.[3]

Sources

Last checked: October 26, 2026. Each numbered source below was opened and checked on the date shown. Numbers in brackets in the text, like [1], point to this list.

  1. [1] Ready.gov (FEMA), Floods
    Published by
    Ready.gov (FEMA)
    Level
    U.S. federal government
    Found at
    www.ready.gov/floods
    Checked
    Oct 26, 2026
  2. [2] National Weather Service, Flood Watch vs. Warning
    Published by
    National Weather Service (NWS)
    Level
    U.S. federal government
    Found at
    www.weather.gov/safety/flood-watch-warning
    Checked
    Oct 26, 2026
  3. [3] National Weather Service, Hurricane Watches and Warnings
    Published by
    National Weather Service (NWS)
    Level
    U.S. federal government
    Found at
    www.weather.gov/safety/hurricane-ww
    Checked
    Oct 26, 2026
  4. [4] National Weather Service, Turn Around Don't Drown
    Published by
    National Weather Service (NWS)
    Level
    U.S. federal government
    Found at
    www.weather.gov/safety/flood-turn-around-dont-drown
    Checked
    Oct 26, 2026

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