Flood — Immediate Actions

Floods are the most common natural disaster globally. Flash floods — where water rises with little or no warning — are the most deadly. Six inches of moving water can knock you down; two feet can carry away a vehicle.

⚠️ Turn Around, Don't Drown. More people die attempting to drive through floodwater than from any other flood-related cause.

Flood Warnings — Know What They Mean

Warning Level	Meaning	Action
Flood Watch / Alert	Flooding possible — be prepared	Monitor alerts; prepare to evacuate
Flood Warning	Flooding expected — act now	Move valuables upstairs; prepare to leave immediately
Severe Flood Warning	Danger to life	Evacuate immediately if instructed
Flash Flood Warning	Flooding imminent or occurring	Seek high ground NOW — seconds count

Indoor Flooding — Immediate Actions

Step	Action
1. Move upstairs immediately	Do not wait to gather belongings — water can rise faster than expected
2. Turn off electricity	At the main breaker — only if you can reach it without walking through water
3. Do not touch electrical equipment	Water conducts electricity — a flooded room with live wiring is lethal
4. Move to upper floors	Take emergency kit, water, phone, medication
5. Signal for rescue	From a window — wave bright fabric; use phone if signal available
6. Do not go into basement	Basements flood first and trap fastest
7. Do not attempt to cross flooded ground floor	If water is moving, even ankle-deep can knock you down

Evacuating During a Flood

Action	Detail
Leave before water rises	If authorities issue evacuation order, leave immediately — do not wait to see water
Take only essentials	Documents, medications, phone, charger, water
Walk away from water, not toward it	Move to higher ground via the highest available route
Avoid bridges and underpasses	These fill and become death traps
Never walk in moving floodwater above ankle depth	Current is far stronger than it looks
If walking in water is unavoidable	Use a stick to test depth; shuffle feet; do not lift feet

Driving and Floods — The Critical Rules

Rule	Detail
Never drive into floodwater	Even if you think it is shallow — the road below may be eroded or missing
6 inches of water	Enough to stall most vehicles and reach the floor
1 foot of water	Enough to float small vehicles
2 feet of water	Will carry away most vehicles including SUVs
If water is rising around your car	Unlock doors immediately; unfasten seatbelt; open window
If doors cannot open	Break side window with headrest prong or emergency tool; exit feet-first
Once out	Move perpendicular to current; aim for nearest bank or high ground

If Swept Away in Floodwater

Situation	Action
Swept away on foot	Do not fight the current; float on your back, feet downstream, toes up
Approaching an obstacle	Turn to face it; push off with your feet to avoid being pinned
Approaching calmer water	Swim diagonally toward bank with the current
In a vehicle underwater	Wait for pressure to equalise before opening door; take a breath; push door open or break window
Debris in water	Grab onto large debris if it provides flotation; avoid entanglement

After the Flood Waters Recede

Action	Why
Do not re-enter until authorities confirm safe	Structural damage may not be visible; hidden hazards remain
Do not use tap water until cleared	Flood water contaminates supplies
Do not turn on electricity	Have an electrician check first
Document all damage	Photos and video before clean-up for insurance
Wear rubber boots and gloves	Floodwater contains sewage, chemicals, and biological hazards
Watch for gas leaks	Flood damage can rupture pipes — smell for gas before entering

Quick Reference

Situation	Action
Flood warning issued	Move valuables upstairs; prepare to evacuate; charge devices
Severe flood warning — danger to life	Evacuate NOW; go to high ground; do not wait
Water rising indoors	Move upstairs immediately; turn off electricity at breaker
Considering driving through water	Turn around — do not attempt regardless of depth appearance
Car stalling in floodwater	Unlock doors; unfasten seatbelt; open window immediately
Swept away on foot	Float on back; feet downstream; angle toward bank
Returning after flood	Wait for authority clearance; avoid electricity and tap water