Flood Safety: Evacuation & Returning Home | Survival Solutions

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Practical solution 4 · Floods
Immediate rule
Never walk or drive into floodwater. Leave early when evacuation is advised, use designated routes and avoid electrical equipment or damaged utilities.
Quick review: READ ALERTS → GO HIGHER → AVOID WATER → RETURN SAFELY.
Five practical skills
A concise, repeatable field sequence. Read these before an emergency and follow official incident instructions when they differ.
1
Know watches, warnings and routes
2
Evacuate before access disappears
3
Keep away from current, sewage and electricity
4
Shut off utilities only when safe
5
Return and clean up safely
Skill 1 of 5
Know watches, warnings and routes
Rule:
Plan for the possibility that familiar roads may become impassable.
Identify your flood risk and the local government alerts you can receive on your phone or radio.
Find at least two routes to safe high ground or a designated shelter; mark them on a paper map.
Move important documents, medication and grab-and-go bags above expected flood levels before the water rises, but never delay an evacuation to protect property.
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Skill 2 of 5
Evacuate before access disappears
Rule:
Do not wait to measure water depth at the door.
Follow emergency instructions and leave immediately when directed. Tell your out-of-area contact where you are going.
Do not drive around barricades. Flooded roadbeds may be washed away and shallow moving water can sweep vehicles or people.
If trapped by water, call emergency services and give a precise location; move to a safe higher level if possible, avoiding attics without roof exits.
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Skill 3 of 5
Keep away from current, sewage and electricity
Rule:
The main hazards are often invisible beneath muddy water.
Avoid all walking or wading in floodwater. It may contain sharp debris, sewage, chemicals and live electrical hazards.
Stay clear of fallen power lines and submerged wiring. Do not touch circuit panels while standing on wet ground.
Do not swim to retrieve belongings or attempt to cross a current; follow professional rescue instructions.
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Skill 4 of 5
Shut off utilities only when safe
Rule:
Property protection is secondary to escape.
Learn where approved water, gas and electric shutoffs are while conditions are normal, preferably with a qualified professional.
If officials instruct you to shut off utilities and you can do so from a dry, safe location, follow the utility instructions. Otherwise leave them alone and evacuate.
Never re-light gas appliances or reconnect submerged electrical systems yourself; get an authorized inspection.
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Skill 5 of 5
Return and clean up safely
Rule:
A receding water level does not make a structure safe.
Re-enter only after authorities say it is safe. Watch for structural damage, unstable surfaces and downed power lines.
Wear suitable protection during cleanup, and discard food touched by floodwater. Follow local water-use advisories.
Photograph damage for records when safe, and arrange professional checks of electrical/gas systems before use.
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Practice before an emergency
Check your area flood warning sources and higher-ground route.
Label utility shutoffs and discuss operation with a qualified person.
Keep a waterproof pouch for documents and medications.
Safety and local guidance
These notes are practical references, not a substitute for professional training or location-specific alerts. Follow emergency responders and local laws.
Reference sources:
National Weather Service — Turn Around, Don’t Drown
CDC — Preparing for Floods
CDC — Floodwater Safety
Links are provided to help you verify these recommendations and updates.
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