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Flooding Preparedness & Response
Flash Flood Safety: Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
Floods cause more deaths each year than tornadoes, lightning, or hurricanes—making early preparation essential. Unlike hurricanes, which typically provide more time to prepare, flash floods can develop quickly and with little warning. They often follow heavy rainfall when the ground cannot absorb water fast enough and storm drains overflow. Streets, low-lying areas, and places near rivers or streams become especially vulnerable to rapid flooding.
Quick Facts
- Only 6 inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.
- Just 12 inches of water can sweep away a car.
Prepare to Act When Moments Matter
Taking steps before a flood can reduce risk and protect your family, home, and peace of mind. Remember, flash floods can happen quickly—being ready can save lives.
Create a Household Communication Plan
Decide how to contact loved ones in an emergency, choose a safe meeting location, and identify a central person everyone can check in with.
Assemble an Emergency Supply Kit
Pack essential items for your family and pets, including food, water, medications, flashlights, important documents, and other critical supplies.
Sign Up for Emergency Alerts
Stay informed with local and national alerts:
Protect Your Property
- Move valuables to higher ground and elevate utilities when possible.
- Use sandbags or barriers to divert water away from your home.
- Know how to shut off gas, electricity, and water before a storm.
Plan for Pets and People With Special Needs
Arrange care in advance for pets, older adults, or anyone with medical, mobility, or sensory needs. Be prepared if evacuation becomes necessary.
Charge Your Devices
Keep phones, battery packs, and radios fully charged, and have backups ready for outages or evacuations.
Know Your Local Risks
Flood risks vary across the county. Rivers, creeks, and tributaries like the Tar River and Contentnea Creek can rise quickly during heavy rain.
Flooding is most likely in:
- Low-lying neighborhoods
- Roads near creeks, streams, or drainage ditches
- Parks, campgrounds, or parking lots near waterways
Flood Mapping Resources
Act Fast When the Water Rises
Flooding can happen with little or no warning. Rising water moves quickly, endangers lives, and damages property in minutes. When a flood begins, don’t wait—take action immediately to protect yourself.
- Evacuate Early: Move to higher ground right away if flooding is likely or occurring. Do not wait for an official alert if you are in danger. Always follow evacuation orders without delay.
- Never Walk Through Moving Water: Six inches of fast-moving water can knock you down. Avoid rising, swift, or murky water that may hide hazards.
- Shelter Safely: Stay indoors if evacuation is not required. If caught outside, go to the highest safe ground immediately—avoid low areas where water collects.
- Stay Informed: Use a battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio, local media, or trusted county and weather service social media for updates.
- Use Electrical Caution: Stay far from downed power lines, damaged electrical boxes, or wet areas with buzzing, popping, or sparking.
- Avoid Floodwaters: Water may contain sewage, chemicals, sharp debris, or hide sinkholes and strong currents. Do not walk, swim, or wade through it.
- If Trapped: Move to the highest level of your home or building. Call 911 if possible and describe your location. Avoid enclosed attics unless you have a way out or can signal rescuers.
Vehicle Safety During a Flood
- Flooded Roads Are Dangerous: Water may be deeper than it looks, hiding collapsed pavement, debris, or live wires. Do not risk it.
- Turn Around, Don’t Drown: Never drive into floodwaters. Just 12 inches can carry away a car, and two feet can sweep away larger vehicles.
- Avoid Bridges Over Fast Water: Floods can erode or wash out bridges. Do not cross unless you are certain it is safe.
- Obey Barricades and Signs: Roadblocks mean danger ahead—never drive around them.
- If Trapped in a Vehicle: Stay inside if surrounded by water. If water rises inside, climb to the roof and signal for help.
Learn More From Weather.gov
Get More Flood Safety Tips From Ready.gov
Recovering & Clean-Up Begin With Caution
Even after the water recedes, dangers remain. Follow these steps to protect your health and safety during recovery:
- Wait for the All Clear: Do not return to damaged areas until authorities confirm it is safe. Hazards such as structural damage, gas leaks, or live wires may remain.
- Avoid Standing Water: Floodwater can contain debris, sewage, chemicals, or unstable surfaces. Limit contact and wear protective gear if cleanup is required.
- Use Generators Safely: Never run generators indoors or in enclosed spaces. Keep them outdoors, at least 20 feet from doors and windows, and away from water.
Learn More About Generator Safety - Check In With Loved Ones: Let friends and family know you are safe. You can also register with the Red Cross Safe and Well program.
Register With the Red Cross Safe and Well Program - Avoid Disaster Zones: Stay out of heavily impacted areas unless part of official response. Extra traffic can delay rescue and recovery efforts.
- Contact Insurance: Document damage with photos or video before cleanup. Always wear gloves and boots when handling debris.
- Prevent Mold: Remove wet materials and ventilate quickly. Mold can develop in 24–48 hours and pose health risks, especially for those with asthma or weakened immunity.
Learn More From Weather.gov
Get More Recovery Tips From Ready.gov
What a 500-Year Flood Really Means
Learn what this term really means by watching this quick explainer from the National Weather Service: