Flood Survival: Evacuation, Water Hazards, and Recovery

Evacuate immediately if:

• Water is rising rapidly around your home
• You live in a flood plain or low-lying area
• Local authorities issue evacuation orders
• You are in a mobile home or basement-level dwelling
• Your exit routes are not yet blocked

Shelter in place only if:

• You are in a sturdy, elevated building above expected flood level
• You cannot safely reach higher ground
• You have a reliable upward escape route
• Water is rising slowly with time to prepare

If you delay evacuation, you may become trapped. Move immediately when routes are passable.

Never drive or walk through flood water. As little as 6 inches of moving water can sweep away a vehicle; 12 inches can sweep away most people on foot.

If rapid water rise traps you indoors:

1. Move to the highest floor or attic immediately
2. Bring available food, water, and blankets with you
3. Break through roof or attic vent if water continues rising
4. Use furniture, doors, or mattresses as flotation if needed
5. Make yourself visible to rescuers (wave cloth, shine light)
6. Stay in the highest point until water recedes or rescue arrives

Do not hide in attics without a roof escape—you risk drowning if water fills the space. An axe or heavy tool to breach the roof is invaluable.

Attic spaces can trap you if water fills the room. Always ensure a path to the roof or upper structure.

Flood water poses multiple threats:

Current and debris: Moving water is deceptively powerful and carries dangerous debris. Currents under 2 feet per second are difficult to swim; faster currents are lethal.

Contamination: Flood water mixes sewage, chemicals, petroleum, and pathogens. Assume all flood water is contaminated. Avoid ingesting it; cover cuts and wounds.

Electrical hazards: Submerged electrical outlets, downed power lines, and appliances in water conduct deadly current. Do not touch water near electrical sources or assume power is off.

Depth and hidden hazards: Murky water hides holes, debris, and drop-offs. Never wade or swim in flood water.

Hypothermia: Even 50°F water causes rapid heat loss and drowning risk within hours.

Do not assume water is safe to touch. Assume all flood water contains raw sewage and chemical contaminants.

If you must move through water:

Immediate flotation:

• Large plastic water bottles or jugs sealed and tied together
• Wooden doors, pallets, or shutters lashed with rope or cloth
• Inflatable mattresses or pool toys
• Styrofoam insulation panels
• Empty plastic containers or barrels
• Couch cushions tied securely

Assembly method:

1. Gather lightweight buoyant materials
2. Tie them together firmly with rope, cloth strips, or electrical cord
3. Test flotation in shallow water before committing
4. Lash any flotation to your waist with a secure line
5. Use a pole or stick to test water depth and push away from obstacles

A well-constructed flotation device can mean the difference between reaching safety and drowning.

Do not attempt to swim in flood water without flotation. Current and contamination make swimming lethal.

Rapid heat loss in cold water is a leading cause of flood death:

Prevention:

• Layer clothing before entering water (wet clothes still provide insulation)
• Cover head and neck—major heat loss points
• Limit time in cold water
• Stay active to maintain body heat

If experiencing early hypothermia:

• Shivering, confusion, and slurred speech indicate falling core temperature
• Move to shelter and warmth immediately
• Remove wet clothing gradually, not all at once (shock risk)
• Wrap in blankets or dry clothes
• Drink warm (not hot) fluids if conscious
• Avoid vigorous movement—it can trigger cardiac arrest

If severely hypothermic:

• Victim may appear unconscious or dead but can be revived
• Handle gently (rough handling can cause fatal arrhythmia)
• Insulate from ground and wind
• Warm core slowly—armpits, groin, chest
• Do not massage limbs or give alcohol

Cold water hypothermia can kill in minutes. Early recognition and slow rewarming are critical.

After water recedes, contamination persists:

Immediate safety:

• Boil all drinking water for 1 minute (or use bottled water) until authorities declare it safe
• Assume all standing water is contaminated with sewage and chemicals
• Do not allow children or animals to play in or drink from flood water
• Wear protective gloves and boots when cleaning contaminated surfaces

Infection prevention:

• Wash hands frequently, especially before eating or touching face
• Clean all cuts and wounds immediately; treat with antiseptic if available
• Watch for signs of infection: increased redness, warmth, pus, swelling, or fever
• Avoid touching eyes and mouth after handling contaminated materials

Food safety:

• Discard any food or beverages exposed to flood water
• Bleach and disinfect water containers before refilling
• Refrigerated food exposed to temperatures above 40°F for more than 2 hours is unsafe

Structural dangers:

• Weakened floors and walls may collapse; stay out of heavily damaged buildings
• Mold growth begins within 24–48 hours; ensure proper ventilation and drying
• Watch for displaced snakes, insects, and other animals in debris

Floodwater-borne diseases cause serious illness. Treat all contamination as a threat and prioritize sanitation and clean drinking water.