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Floods
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Disasters

Floods

Flooding is a common hazard that can result from various weather events or infrastructure failures, requiring residents to be aware of their specific environmental risks.

Causes of Flooding

Floods are common in the United States and can be triggered by several factors:

  • Weather events: Heavy rain, thunderstorms, hurricanes, or tsunamis.
  • Infrastructure failure: A river or stream overflowing its bank, a breached levee, or a broken dam.
  • Flash floods: These develop quickly and often feature a dangerous wall of roaring water that carries rocks, mud, and rubble, sweeping away most things in its path.

Risk Awareness and Preparation

Be aware of flood hazards no matter where you live, but especially if you live in a low-lying area, near water, or downstream from a dam. Although there are no guarantees of safety during a flood, you can take actions to protect yourself. You should have a disaster plan. Being prepared can help reduce fear, anxiety, and losses. If you do experience a disaster, it is normal to feel stressed, and you may need help in finding ways to cope.

Source: Federal Emergency Management Agency

Frequently Asked Questions

If your vehicle is surrounded by rising water, do not attempt to drive through the water, as just six inches of moving water can knock an adult off their feet and two feet can sweep away most vehicles. If you are stranded and the water is rising, abandon the vehicle and move to higher ground immediately. If you cannot reach high ground, move to the roof of the vehicle or another high structure and call emergency services. Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters, as they may be contaminated with sewage, chemicals, or hidden debris, and may be electrically charged from downed power lines.
To minimize damage, elevate electrical outlets, switches, and appliances in basements or on the first floor to at least one foot above the projected flood level. Install backflow valves on sewer lines to prevent sewage from backing up into your home. Use sandbags to block water from entering doorways and windows if a flood is imminent. Additionally, keep important documents, medications, and valuables in waterproof containers or on upper floors. Ensure your sump pump is functioning properly and has a battery backup in case of power outages.
Flash floods can develop in minutes, so you must monitor for specific signs such as a sudden increase in water level, a change in the color of the water (turning brown or muddy), and the sound of roaring water that resembles a train. Other indicators include a rapid rise in the water table, debris or branches floating in the water, and a sudden drop in barometric pressure. If you see a wall of water approaching, do not wait for official warnings; move to higher ground immediately.
You can check your address on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center website to see if it is located in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). If your home is in a high-risk zone, standard homeowner's insurance policies typically do not cover flood damage. You will need to purchase separate flood insurance, which is often available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private insurers. Even if you are not in a high-risk zone, flood insurance is recommended as floods can occur in low-risk areas.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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