Before a flood
- Talk about floods – Spend time with your family discussing why floods occur and how to stay safe during a flood.
- Consider flood insurance – Standard homeowners’ insurance doesn’t cover flood damage.
- Stay informed – Listen to local radio stations for what to do in a flood warning or watch. Evacuate if told to do so or if you feel unsafe
During a flood
- Follow guidance of local authorities – Elected officials and first responders are most informed about affected areas and most knowledgeable which flooded areas to avoid.
- Move to higher ground quickly – During a flood you should move to higher ground and avoid standing, flowing, or rising water.
- Keep children away from water – Keep children and pets away from hazardous sites and floodwater as it’s likely to be dirty, carry bacteria and vulnerable to electric shock.
- Keep children clean – Wash children’s hands frequently and ensure they bathe after being exposed to flood waters or flood-damaged areas.
After a flood
- Ensure utilities are restored – Before children return to flood-affected areas, ensure utilities such as electricity and plumbing are restored. Living and learning spaces (e.g., homes, schools, child care facilities) should be free from physical and environmental hazards.
- Limit your children’s participation in recovery – Kids should not be involved in clean-up efforts – they should return after the area is cleaned up. Before children return, these areas should be cleaned and disinfected, along with all toys, clothing, etc.
- Clean or discard contaminated toys – Do not allow children to play with toys that have been contaminated by flood water and have not been disinfected. Materials that cannot be readily disinfected, such as stuffed animals or pillows, should be discarded.
