Home | News | What to Do During a Flash Flood Warning

What to Do During a Flash Flood Warning

By Alina Bradford

Jun 06, 2024

2 min read

Why you can trust SafeWise

products considered

250+

research hours in 25+ in-home tests

10k+

years of combined experience

176+

homes and people protected

10M+

For over 11 years, SafeWise experts have conducted independent research and testing to create unbiased, human reviews. Learn how we test and review.

Extreme weather resources

When extreme weather is in full swing, we want everyone to stay safe. Here are some resources if you or a loved one are impacted by storms.

Track the storms to stay up-to-date on the latest hurricane developments, warnings, and advisories.
Stay informed about local developments and find resources at DisasterAssistance.gov.
Know about evacuation shelters through the free Red Cross Emergency app, calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767) or go to redcross.org/shelter.
Use our emergency resources on SafeWise for everything including generators, emergency kits, flooding, and how to prep kids for hurricanes.

If your area is under a flash flood warning, you need to take action. Areas in flood zones may be prone to flooding thanks to nearby bodies of water.

The warning means a flood is happening or is about to happen. Here’s how to stay safe during flash flood warnings.

What is a flash flood?

A flash flood is a flood that happens quickly. Flash floods are caused by a damn breaking or massive amounts of rain falling in less than six hours or so.¹

Make your home safer with one easy step.

From wild weather to fire hazards, our newsletter provides tips for protecting everything (and everyone) you love. Sign up now!

By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Get to higher ground

Image: Syed Qaarif Andrabi, Pexels

Higher ground means exactly what it sounds like. Get higher:

If you’re outside, get out of low-lying areas like valleys, gulches, ditches, river beds, and areas with streams. Stay off bridges since they can wash away quickly without notice.
If you’re in your home or a business and see flood waters approaching, move to the second floor of the building. If there isn’t a second floor, consider going to the roof. The roof is only an option if there is no other option. When you’re on the roof, signal for help. Don't go into the attic; you may get trapped there.
If you’re trapped in your car, call for help. If water is leaking in, get onto the roof.

If you have an emergency kit, grab it.

How to get an emergency kit

Find out how to buy or assemble a kit with our emergency kit how-to guide.

Stay informed

Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, or stay tuned to your local television station for important information about the flash flood warning.

Be prepared for hurricane season

Hurricane season is in full swing with Fiona leaving a path of destruction from Puerto Rico to Nova Scotia, followed closely by Hurricane Ian off the coast of Florida.

Stay on top of the latest hurricane advisories, watches, and warnings to keep your home and loved ones as safe as possible.

Plus, find resources to help:

Stay out of the water

Image: Luke Miller, Pexels

Floodwaters aren’t like a day at the lake. They can carry you away. Even as little as six inches of water can knock an adult to the ground and sweep them away. Just a foot of water can carry away a vehicle.²

Whether you're in a car or walking, don't drive around barricades. Remember, turn around, don’t drown.

Other than drowning, there is another reason to stay out of the water. Floodwater can contain contaminants like feces, gasoline, and other dangerous chemicals.

Turn off the gas and power

If you can get to your home’s breaker box without standing in water, turn off your home’s power with dry hands. This can prevent electrical shocks as the water rises.

Also, turn off your home's gas at the main gas service shutoff valve to prevent gas leaks.