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Heavy rain is getting more common in Philly. When rain has nowhere to go, it floods basements and streets. Fixing the damage takes time and money. It's hardest on families with the least to spare.
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What's happening?
What's happening?
Rain events are becoming more intense, delivering more water in shorter periods of time than Philadelphia's aging stormwater system was built to handle. Low-lying areas, neighborhoods near waterways, and blocks with fewer trees and more paved surfaces are flooding more often.
What is the City doing?
What is the City doing?
Learn what the City is doing to prepare and recover from Flooding.
What can you do?
What can you do?
Learn how to prepare and get ideas for taking action as a community. Checking in on neighbors. Building a block-level plan before a flood hits.
Gathering idea
Gathering idea
Walk your block together to identify storm drains, low spots, and flood-prone areas. Share what worked and what didn't during past flooding events. Talk through what your block would need in the hours and days after a major flood.
Speak up
Speak up
Find and contact your elected officials to advocate for meaningful change. A few ideas to get started below.
Find and contact your elected officials to advocate for meaningful change. A few ideas to get started below.
Learn more about "How Philly Works".
Advocate for stormwater infrastructure maintenance on your block.
Report flooding to the City and contact your council member.
Advocate to limit building in flood-prone areas and restore natural flood areas.
Push for equitable investment in neighborhoods that flood the most.
Get help
Get help
Tap a topic to open it. Tap a link to visit the website.
Text READYPHILA to 888-777 for alerts · Call 311 for City help · Call or text 211 for bills, housing, and more.
Emergency Resources
Emergency Resources
ReadyPhiladelphia Office of Emergency Management
The City of Philadelphia’s emergency information notification system is ReadyPhiladelphia. To sign up, text ReadyPhila to 888-777 or go to the link above to select additional alerts, select preferences, and choose the language. Most alerts are available in eleven languages: English, French, Arabic, Russian, Spanish, Vietnamese, Simplified Chinese, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, Swahili, and American Sign Language.ReadyPhiladelphia Office of Emergency Management
How to report water-related issues in Philadelphia City of Philadelphia
How to report water-related issues in Philadelphia City of Philadelphia
To help residents, PWD operates a separate call center with a 24-hour water emergency line, (215) 685-6300. Philly311 proudly partners with PWD on a few service requests, but most water-related issues, especially emergencies, need to be directly reported to PWD by you, the resident.
To help residents, PWD operates a separate call center with a 24-hour water emergency line, (215) 685-6300. Philly311 proudly partners with PWD on a few service requests, but most water-related issues, especially emergencies, need to be directly reported to PWD by you, the resident.
Health Information Card Philadelphia Department of Public Health
Fill out a health information card and keep it with you in your wallet, purse or other safe place. A health information card will help you keep track of: emergency contact information, communication needs, any special equipment or supplies you require, important health information, and current medications. Health Information Card Philadelphia Department of Public Health
Mental Health and Public Health Emergencies Philadelphia Department of Public Health
Emergencies can make it hard to take care of your mental health. Being prepared can help. Make a plan to make sure your basic needs and support systems are available during an emergency.Mental Health and Public Health Emergencies Philadelphia Department of Public Health
For the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988. Free online screening and resources: www.HealthyMindsPhilly.org
Housing Resources
Housing Resources
Floodsmart National Flood Insurance Program
Anyone can purchase flood insurance. Flooding is not covered under regular home insurance or renters insurance. A separate policy is required and there is a National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) available. Use this site to better understand your flood risk and get a free quote for purchasing flood insurance. Everyone in Philadelphia purchasing an NFIP flood insurance policy will automatically receive a 15% discount on their premiums. Floodsmart National Flood Insurance Program
FEMA Helpline FEMA
Call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 if you have questions about the help offered by FEMA, how to apply for assistance, and information in your account.FEMA Helpline FEMA
Individuals & Households Program FEMA
Individuals and Households Program (IHP) provides financial and direct services to eligible individuals and households affected by a disaster, who have uninsured or under-insured necessary expenses and serious needs. IHP assistance is not a substitute for insurance and cannot compensate for all losses caused by a disaster. The assistance is intended to meet your basic needs and supplement disaster recovery efforts.Individuals & Households Program FEMA
SBA Disaster Loans U.S. Small Business Administration
Explore SBA's low-interest disaster loans to help homeowners, renters, and businesses of all sizes recover from declared disasters.SBA Disaster Loans U.S. Small Business Administration
Basement Backup Protection Program Philadelphia Water Department
The Basement Backup Protection Program (BBPP) helps prevent home flooding by providing Free backwater valve installation to reduce backups. Call 215-685-6300 or click the link above for more information. Basement Backup Protection Program Philadelphia Water Department
PWD HELP Loan Philadelphia Water Department
The Homeowner’s Emergency Loan Program (HELP) offers zero-interest loans for repairs to water service lines and sewer lines.PWD HELP Loan Philadelphia Water Department
Basic Systems Repair Program (BSRP) Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation (PHDC)
The Basic Systems Repair Program (BSRP) provides free repairs to correct electrical, plumbing, heating, limited structural and carpentry, and roofing emergencies in eligible owner-occupied homes in Philadelphia. Call 215-448-2160 or click the link above for more information. Basic Systems Repair Program (BSRP) Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation (PHDC)
Disaster Recovery and Resilience Program City of Philadelphia and DHCD
The Disaster Recovery and Resilience Program (DRRP) provides extensive, free repairs to eligible owner-occupied homes in Philadelphia that were affected by Hurricane Ida. Disaster Recovery and Resilience Program City of Philadelphia and DHCD
Philadelphia Neighborhood Energy Centers Energy Coordinating Agency (ECA)
The network of 16 Neighborhood Energy Centers (NECs) serves as one-stop-shops for community members to learn about utility bill assistance programs, home repair and weatherization, budget counseling, and connection to services across the city.Philadelphia Neighborhood Energy Centers Energy Coordinating Agency (ECA)
Weatherization Assistance Program Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development
Pennsylvania’s Weatherization Assistance Program increases energy efficiency in homes by reducing energy costs and increasing comfort while safeguarding health and safety.Weatherization Assistance Program Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development
Built to Last Program PEA
PEA is acting as an administrative backbone to allow housing programs to layer and streamline their services, and will add construction management services, additional grants and financing as needed. Built to Last seeks to restore the safety, health, affordability and comfort of existing affordable housing in a way that improves the long-term quality of Philadelphia’s housing, builds community wealth, and helps families avoid displacement and stay in their homes.Built to Last Program PEA
Adaptive Modifications Program (AMP) Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation (PHDC)
The Adaptive Modifications Program (AMP) is designed to help low-income individuals with permanent physical disabilities live more independently in their homes. It provides free adaptations to a house or an apartment, allowing easier access to and mobility within the home.Adaptive Modifications Program (AMP) Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation (PHDC)
Education + Information Resources
Education + Information Resources
Family Emergency Plan OEM
Keep track of local emergency contacts, important phone numbers, medical information, and family meeting locations. Keep a copy within easy access so that you or your family members can refer to it in case an emergency happens.Family Emergency Plan OEM
READY Home, READY Business & READY Community Preparedness Workshops OEM
The Office of Emergency Management works with businesses and non-profit organizations like schools, places of worship, libraries, and community centers to prepare for any kind of emergency. Our READYBusiness and READYHome are free, hour-long, intense programs that will leave you knowing what to have in your hand, heart and home in the event of an emergency. If you’re interested in OEM visiting your neighborhood group or business, please email us at oem@phila.gov.READY Home, READY Business & READY Community Preparedness Workshops OEM
Flooding Photo Submission City of Philadelphia
This form is for the City of Philadelphia to collect neighborhood-level data on flooding events. Photos provided by residents give us a more complete and accurate picture of flooding conditions across Philadelphia.
Guide to Flooding City of Philadelphia
This guide helps residents of Philadelphia understand their flood risk, prepare for floods and provides instructions for what to do during a flood emergency.Guide to Flooding City of Philadelphia
How green tools protect Philly's waterways Philadelphia Water Department
This video includes a animation on stromwater and the combined sewer of Philadelphia. How green tools protect Philly's waterways Philadelphia Water Department
FEMA Flood Map & Risk Assessment FEMA
Look up your property's official flood zone designation. Useful for understanding insurance requirements, setting premiums, and informing mitigation decisions. FEMA Flood Map & Risk Assessment FEMA
Philadelphia Flood Management Program City of Philadelphia
This City of Philadelphia website provides resources and information on flood risk and how to mitigate it. Philadelphia Flood Management Program City of Philadelphia
Projects & Construction Philadelphia Water Department
See active and upcoming projects in your neighborhood. To report construction‑related incidents or issues requiring immediate attention, please call (215) 685‑6300.Projects & Construction Philadelphia Water Department
How to report water-related issues in Philadelphia City of Philadelphia
How to report water-related issues in Philadelphia City of Philadelphia
To help residents, PWD operates a separate call center with a 24-hour water emergency line, (215) 685-6300. Philly311 proudly partners with PWD on a few service requests, but most water-related issues, especially emergencies, need to be directly reported to PWD by you, the resident.
To help residents, PWD operates a separate call center with a 24-hour water emergency line, (215) 685-6300. Philly311 proudly partners with PWD on a few service requests, but most water-related issues, especially emergencies, need to be directly reported to PWD by you, the resident.
Philadelphia County Master Watershed Steward Program Penn State Extension Master Watershed Steward Program
The Penn State Master Watershed Steward program was established to strengthen local capacity for management and protection of watersheds, streams, and rivers, by educating and empowering volunteers across the commonwealth. This program provides extensive training in watershed management to volunteers who, in return, educate the community about watershed stewardship based on university research and recommendations. Call 215-471-2200 or contact PhiladelphiaExt@psu.edu for more information. Philadelphia County Master Watershed Steward Program Penn State Extension Master Watershed Steward Program
Urban Watershed Curriculum Fairmount Water Works (FWW)
The Fairmount Water Works designed a place-based, hands-on Curriculum for students to engage with their local watershed and water system, in order to grow their understanding of issues and take action for a more equitable and sustainable future they want for themselves. Call 215-685-0721 or contact Ellen.Schultz@phila.gov for more information. Urban Watershed Curriculum Fairmount Water Works (FWW)
Storm Drain Marking Program Philadelphia Water Department
Residents can register for a free storm drain marking kit online, to install 15 markers near your home, school, or neighborhood park. There are approximately 72,000 stormwater inlets on neighborhood streets across the City of Philadelphia. Each marker features the local watershed’s name and aquatic wildlife native to our city. Storm drain markers serve as helpful reminders, letting people know that our streets and sewers connect to our waterways.Storm Drain Marking Program Philadelphia Water Department
Disaster & Social Services Hotline PA 211
From help with a utilities bill, to housing assistance, after-school programs for kids, and more, you can dial 211 or text your zip code to 898-211 to talk with a resource specialist for free. Our specialists will listen to your needs and give you information on programs in your community that might be able to help.Disaster & Social Services Hotline PA 211
Service Link Penn Center for Public Health
Volunteers work with clients in confidential settings to secure basic living needs such as housing, physical and mental health, food, utilities and repairs, adult education, child-related, employment, financial, transportation, and legal advice. Service Link Penn Center for Public Health
Notifications for changes in water conditions, FEMA
The USGS WaterAlert website is a free government tool that sends text or email notifications when local water levels change. Users can create a secure account to set up custom thresholds, tracking real-time stream and river data transmitted via satellite.
Notifications for changes in water conditions, FEMA
The FEMA Homeowner's Guide to Retrofitting provides detailed instructions on different methods to protect houses from flood damage. By implementing these permanent structural upgrades, homeowners can reduce future recovery costs, improve personal safety, and lower their flood insurance premiums.
Community Response Partner Network (CRPN) Newsletter
The CRPN Newsletter is issued approximately every two weeks and in response to emerging public health hazards. The newsletters have seasonal preparedness information, such as "preparing for floods in Philadelphia". To begin receiving these newsletters and other essential information you can share with your trusted contacts, please enroll in the Community Response Partner Network (CRPN).Community Response Partner Network (CRPN) Newsletter
Philadelphia Department of Public Health Public Health Preparedness Community Resources
Order free educational materials, request training or resource tabling, sign up for webinars or newsletters. Public health emergencies are any disaster or crisis that can harm the health of Philadelphia residents and communities. The Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH) works every day to make sure Philadelphia is prepared. Our plans involve partners at the local, state, and federal levels, and the Public Health Preparedness Program (PHP) works with community partners and service providers to keep residents informed and safe.Philadelphia Department of Public Health Public Health Preparedness Community Resources
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