🌊 Flood: what to do, step by step

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More than half of flood deaths happen while driving or walking through flooded areas.

Open the guide in the app (works offline)

Step by step

Orange or red warningMove documents, the go bag and valuables up high. Avoid traveling and don't park in dry riverbeds, channels or underground garages.
The water starts risingGo to the upper floors. If it's safe, switch off the power at the breaker box. Don't go down to the garage for the car.
You're told to evacuateLeave at once by the route you're given, on foot if necessary, and never through streets or crossings with flowing water.
When the water goes downDon't go back until you're allowed to. Watch out for mud, lifted manhole covers and fallen power lines.

Before

  1. Find out whether your home, work or your children's school is in a flood zone, and which is the safe route to high ground.
  2. Keep the go bag and documents in a waterproof bag, somewhere high up.

During

  1. Go to the upper floors. Never go down to basements or garages to save the car.
  2. Don't cross moving water: 15 cm (6 in) of moving water can knock over an adult; 30 cm (1 ft) can sweep away a small car, and 60 cm (2 ft) an SUV.
  3. If water gets into your home and it's safe to do so, switch off the power at the main breaker box.
  4. Follow the instructions of your local emergency number (112 in Europe, 911 in North America) and civil protection. If you're told to evacuate, do it at once.

After

  1. Don't go back home until the authorities allow it.
  2. Throw out food that has touched floodwater, including dented or swollen cans.
  3. Don't drink tap water until it's confirmed safe.

What you need for this emergency

See the full kit: Evacuation go bag →

Figures and sources

Other emergencies