Hazard Information

Floods are typically caused by melting snow, ice jams, heavy spring rains and summer thunderstorms. Flash flooding often occurs during violent rain storms or the breaking of a dam — often occurring with little or no warning. They can damage property and injure or kill people.

For more information on flooding and your safety, visit COMING SOON

Safety Tips

If you are instructed by emergency officials to evacuate, do so immediately.

If you are indoors:

• Move essential items (and household chemicals) to an upper floor

• Disconnect electrical appliances — don’t touch electrical equipment if you’re wet or standing in water

• Bring in outdoor furniture (if you have time)

• Never eat food that’s come in contact with flood waters

If you are outdoors:

• Move to higher ground if there is a chance of a flash flood

• Don't walk through moving water — you may fall

• If you have to walk through moving water — look for where the water is not moving and use a stick to check the ground in front of you

• Keep children away from flood water

• Avoid driving through floodwaters

Prepare Now

Take the following steps so you and your family are prepared in the event of an emergency flood:

• Put weather protection sealant around basement windows and ground-level doors

• Install "check valves" in sewer traps to prevent floodwater from backing up into the drains of your home

• Install the drainage for downspouts a sufficient distance from your home to ensure water moves away from the building

• Move important documents and keepsakes out of the basement

• Keep instructions for shutting off gas and water valves handy and read them carefully

Learn about different emergencies and how to be prepared.

Emergencies can strike anywhere, at any time.

Disaster Relief Assistance

Helps individuals, farmers, small business and non-profit organizations get back on their feet after a natural disaster.