What to do during a flash flood warning

When a flash flood warning is issued, you may have only minutes. The plan is simple: get to higher ground and stay out of the water. Here is what to do at home, in a car, outdoors, and after the water goes down.

Never drive or walk into floodwater

The NWS message is short: it is never safe to drive or walk into floodwater. Moving water is far stronger than it looks, and people tend to underestimate it.

• About 6 inches of fast-moving water can knock an adult down.
• About 12 inches of rushing water can carry away most cars.
• About 2 feet of rushing water can carry away SUVs and trucks.

Citing the CDC, the NWS reports that more than half of flood drownings happen when a vehicle is driven into dangerous floodwater. Many of those deaths could have been prevented. If fast-moving water is above your ankles, turn around and find another way.

At home

• If you live in an area that floods, move to higher ground right away.
• Leave when water starts to rise, and follow any evacuation order.
• If you have time before leaving, lock your home and disconnect utilities and appliances.
• Do not go into a basement or any room where water covers outlets or cords are underwater.
• If you see sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping, or popping, get out. Stay out of water that may carry electricity.
• If moving water traps you, go to the highest point you can reach and call 911 if possible.

In a car

• Drive only if you truly must.
• Never drive into a flooded road or around a barricade. The road under the water may have washed out or collapsed.
• Floodwater can be deeper than it looks and can hide debris or downed power lines.
• A vehicle caught in fast-moving water can be swept away in seconds.
• Be extra careful at night, when it is hard to see water on the road or judge how deep it is.

Camping, hiking, and outdoors

• If you are camping in a low area, move to higher ground right away.
• Canyons and dry creek beds are risky. Water from storms far away can rush in even when it is not raining where you are.
• Small streams can rise fast. The NWS notes that a mountain creek that is usually 6 inches deep can reach 10 feet in less than an hour.
• Do not walk through floodwater. Many people are swept away while wading.
• Keep children away from high water and storm drains.

Stay informed

Keep up with updates from local radio and TV, NOAA Weather Radio, and official online sources. Flash flood warnings tagged considerable or catastrophic also trigger Wireless Emergency Alerts on phones in the area, but standard flash flood warnings do not. Learn what each alert means in what does a flash flood warning mean.

After the flood

The danger does not end when the rain stops.

• Stay away from standing water. It can hide chemicals, sharp objects, or a collapsed road.
• Obey road closures, and stay out of disaster areas so rescue crews can work.
• Do not enter a flood-damaged home or building until officials say it is safe. Floors can collapse and ceilings can fall.
• Make sure the electricity is turned off. Have the power company or a qualified electrician repair any wiring.
• Check that your water is safe before you drink it, cook with it, or clean with it. Officials may tell you to boil it first.
• Never run a portable generator inside your home or garage. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a leading cause of death after storms that knock out power. Keep generators outdoors, at least 20 feet from windows, doors, and attached garages.
• Let family and close friends know you are okay.

Kinwarn can alert you when a flash flood warning covers a family member’s home.