Floods: Turn Around, Don't Drown, and what to do before, during and after

Ready.gov states it plainly: floods are the most common disaster in the United States. They can develop slowly or quickly, and flash floods can come without warning. The single most important rule fits in four words.

Turn Around, Don't Drown

Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters. The numbers show why:

Never drive around barricades, and stay off bridges over fast-moving water, which can wash bridges away without warning (Ready.gov).

Before a flood

• Know your flood risk and evacuation routes.
• Check insurance: homeowner's policies do not cover flooding, and a flood policy typically takes up to 30 days to go into effect (Ready.gov). Don't wait for the forecast.
• Pack your go-bag so you can leave quickly.

During a flood

• Evacuate immediately if told to do so.
• If your car is trapped in rapidly moving water, stay inside; get on the roof if water is rising inside the car.
• If you're trapped in a building, get to the highest level, but do not climb into a closed attic, where rising water can trap you.

After a flood

• Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
• Avoid wading in floodwater, which can be contaminated and contain dangerous debris.
• Food and water touched by floodwater are a separate risk; see Making water safe in an emergency.

How Japan decides when to leave

Japan issues evacuation information for floods on a five-level scale, and the rule is to leave by Level 4 ("Evacuation Instruction"), without waiting for Level 5, when a disaster is already happening. People who need more time, such as older adults and families with infants, start at Level 3. The idea carries over anywhere: decide in advance who leaves early, and act on the step before the worst one. See Japan's five alert levels explained.

At camp (our suggestions)

• Don't camp on low ground next to a river or in a dry wash when rain is forecast upstream.
• Know your way to higher ground on foot, in the dark.
• If water starts rising, leave the gear.