Flash Flood

ACT NOWWater is rising fast, or a flash flood warning is out. Get to higher ground now — don't wait to be told.

Go up
- Higher ground, right now. Every second counts.
- Move up, not downstream.
- Indoors and trapped? Go to the highest floor — not a closed attic, where rising water can trap you. Onto the roof only if you must, and signal for help.
Turn around, don't drown
- 6 inches of moving water can knock you down.
- 12 inches can carry off a car. 2 feet carries off SUVs and trucks.
- You can't see how deep it is, or whether the road is still there.
- Never walk or drive into it.
Caught in your car
- Car stalls or water rises around it? Get out and go to higher ground — if you can do it safely.
- Trapped by moving water? Get to the highest point you can — the roof, if that's it.
- Going under? Seatbelt off, window down, get out. Children first.
- Window won't open? Wait until the car is nearly full, then push the door — it opens once the pressure evens out.
- 911 if there's service. No signal at all? Dial 911 anyway — iPhone 14 and newer offer to text 911 by satellite. Clear view of the sky.
Why
Most flood deaths happen in vehicles. A car starts to float in about a foot of water and loses all control. Electric windows usually work for a short while underwater — use that time.
After
- Go back only when officials say it's safe.
- Floodwater carries sewage and chemicals — stay out of it. Boots and gloves if you can't.
- Nothing electrical if it's wet or you're standing in water.
- Watch for washed-out roads.

Sources: National Weather Service — Turn Around Don't Drown · FEMA / Ready.gov Flood Safety

General information to help in an emergency — not a substitute for training or professional care.

Go up