Before, During and After a Flood
Failing to evacuate flooded areas, entering flood waters, or remaining after a flood has passed can result in injury or death. Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States.
Floods may:
- Result from rain, snow, coastal storms, storm surges, and overflows of dams and other water systems.
- Develop slowly or quickly – Flash floods can come with no warning.
- Cause outages, disrupt transportation, damage buildings, and create landslides.
KPB Joint Information Hub
for incident information
Listen to authorities for information and instructions.
Avoid driving through flood waters. Just six inches of moving water can knowck you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away. Never drive around barricades.
Stay off of bridges over fast-moving water. Fast moving water can wash bridges away without warning.
If you are trapped in vehicle stay inside. If water is rising inside the vehicle, then seek refuge on the roof.
If trapped in a building, then go to its highest level. Do not climb into a closed attic. You may become trapped by rising floodwater. Go on the roof only if necessary. Once there, signal for help.
Determine how best to protect yourself based on the type of flooding.
- Evacuate if told to do so.
- Move to higher ground or a higher floor.
- Stay where you are.
Be aware of the risk of electrocution. Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. If it is safe to do so, turn of the electricity to prevent electric shock.
Avoid wading in floodwater, which can be contain dangerous debris and be contaminated. Underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water.
Use a generator or other gasoline-powered machinery ONLY outdoors and away from windows.
Related Links
National Weather Service Flood Gauges - Interactive map of all 138 river gauges in the state
Alaska.Ready.gov - State of Alaska Security and Emergency Management information
Ready.gov - Floods - Nationwide information for prior to, during and after a flood
Donald E. Gilman River Center - Kenai Peninsula multi-agency permitting, information, education center and floodplain management program
If flooding has impacted your property there may be damage to your septic system, drinking water well or fuel tanks. Follow these Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation instructions for inspecting your property for damage and ensuring your drinking water is safe.
Avoid wading in floodwater, which can contain dangerous debris and be contaminated. Underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water.
Use a generator or other gasoline-powered machinery ONLY outdoors and away from windows.
Put together a plan for emergencies by discussing these 4 questions with your family, friends, or household to start your emergency plan.
- How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
- What is my shelter plan?
- What is my evacuation route?
- What is my family/household communication plan?
Know types of flood risk in your area. Visit KPB Floodplain Management Program for information.
Sign up for your KPB Alerts warning system. The Emergency Alerts System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
Create your Family Emergency Communication Plan. You can use this easy fillable form to create your contact list.
Purchase or renew a flood insurance policy. It typically takes up to 30 days for a policy to go into effect and can protect the life you've built. Homeowner's policies do not cover flooding. Get flood coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Keep important documents in a waterproof container. Create password-protected digital copies.
Protect your property. Move valuables to high levels. Declutter drains and gutters. Install check valves. Consider a sump pump with a battery.
Secure your fuel tanks and other items that may float away.
Visit these links to find more information about preparing your home:
How to Prepare for a Flood
Add Waterproof Veneer to Exterior Walls
Anchor Fuel Tanks
Build with Flood Damage Resistant Materials
Dry Floodproof Your Building
Install Sewer Backflow Valves
Protect Wells From Contamination by Flooding
Raise Electrical System Components
Raise or Floodproof HVAC Equipment