Flooding is one of the most common and costly natural disasters in New York State. It can be caused by severe weather such as large rain events, undersized infrastructure, poor stormwater drainage, and snow melt.
Being prepared for flooding is key to staying safe, protecting valuables, and allowing for an easier recovery. Take these steps to stay prepared and safe during a flood:
- Do not walk or drive through flood waters. It only takes 6 inches of fast-moving water to knock over an adult or 12 inches of rushing water to carry away a vehicle.
- Never drive around barricades. Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
- Avoid wading in floodwater, which could contain contaminants or debris. Wear heavy work gloves, protective clothing and boots during clean up and use appropriate face coverings or masks if cleaning mold or other debris.
- Pay attention to emergency instructions. Sign up for National Weather Service alerts to stay informed about flood watches or warnings in your area. The Emergency Alert System and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
- Look into flood insurance options to protect your investments. Homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flooding and more than 25% of flood claims come from outside areas mapped as high-risk floodplains. More information about flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program can be found at: Floodsmart.gov
Resources about flood risk and ways to stay prepared:
NYSDEC
American Red Cross
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
National Weather Service: Flood Safety Tips and Resources
Photo of Bouquet River flooding Simonds Hill Road and isolating New Russia, NY, in December 2023 (courtesy Eric Teed).
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