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Disaster Preparedness Resources

Emergency Preparation Information

Floods 

Check Out These Important Links:

Floods - Ready.gov was created by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to help individuals, families, and businesses prepare for and respond to emergencies and disasters.

Flooding - Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): flooding page provides information on the environmental impact of flooding, as well as tips for staying safe and protecting your health during and after a flood.

Experimental: Flood Hazard Outlook  - National Weather Service (NWS) is a United States federal agency responsible for providing weather forecasts, warnings, and other weather-related information to the public. It is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

FloodSmart - The National Flood Insurance Program provides information on flood insurance, including how to purchase flood insurance and what to do if you experience flood damage.

   What Causes Flooding?

Flooding is a natural disaster that occurs when water overflows or covers land that is typically dry. Floods can be caused by a variety of factors, including heavy rainfall, snowmelt, and the overflow of rivers, lakes, or oceans. They can also be caused by human activities, such as the construction of dams or levees, or the urbanization of natural areas.

Floods can be extremely destructive and can cause significant damage to buildings, roads, and other infrastructure. They can also cause loss of life and displacement of people from their homes. In addition to the immediate damage caused by flooding, it can also lead to long-term economic and environmental impacts, such as crop damage, soil erosion, and increased risk of disease.

There are several types of floods, including flash floods, river floods, coastal floods, and urban floods. Flash floods are particularly dangerous as they can occur with little warning and can be very fast-moving. River floods occur when rivers overflow their banks and can affect large areas. Coastal floods are caused by storm surges and can cause significant damage to coastal communities. Urban floods occur when heavy rainfall overwhelms the drainage systems in urban areas.

To reduce the risk of flooding, measures such as building flood protection infrastructure, managing land use, and improving warning systems can be implemented. In addition, individuals can take steps such as keeping emergency supplies and having an evacuation plan in case of a flood.

 

   Important Information:

  • According to the National Weather Service (NWS) and FEMA, six inches of swiftly moving water can knock a person off their feet. The force increases with speed and depth, making even shallow water extremely hazardous.
  • The NWS and American Red Cross both state that as little as 12 inches of water is enough to move most cars. Two feet can carry away trucks and SUVs. Water can also stall engines, disable brakes, and cause loss of steering.
  • Flash floods form within six hours of intense rain and often strike without time for evacuation. Urban areas with lots of concrete and poor drainage, as well as desert and canyon regions where water can not soak in, are especially high risk.
  • Flooding is the most expensive natural disaster in the U.S. Minor floods can ruin flooring, walls, insulation, and electrical systems. Mold growth can start within 24 to 48 hours, and damage to roads, water supplies, and power systems often occurs even in minor flood events.
  • According to the National Weather Service, flooding, especially flash flooding, is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the country. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.
  • Flood water often contains oil, gasoline, bacteria, waste, and sharp or toxic debris. Contact can lead to serious infections, injuries, or illness.

    Caution: Flash Flood Alley

Central Texas, including areas around Austin, San Antonio, and Waco, is part of what experts call Flash Flood Alley, one of the most flood-prone regions in North America. Because of steep terrain, thin rocky soil, and sudden storms, water can rise rapidly with little warning.

Even dry creek beds and familiar roads can become dangerous within minutes.

If you live, study, or travel in this region:

  • Never drive into water-covered roads—even shallow water can sweep away vehicles.

  • Stay alert during heavy rain, especially at night. Flash floods can strike without visible warning signs.

  • Know your area's flood risk, and have a plan to move to higher ground quickly.

  • Always follow local weather alerts, sirens, and evacuation notices.

Flash floods are fast, unpredictable, and deadly. Don’t wait to see the water; act early.