Anywhere, Anytime
Floods can happen anywhere and anytime. In Pennsylvania, flooding can be caused by:
- Heavy rainfall/tropical systems
- Rising rivers
- Dam or levee breaks
- Snow melt
- Ice or debris jams
Flooding can happen quickly and without warning, so it's important to know how to handle it now.
Before Flooding
The things you do today can be life-saving tomorrow.
- Stay weather aware: Have at least two ways to get reliable weather alerts, and pay attention to if flooding is in the forecast. If it is a possibility, monitor weather updates and change travel plans, if needed.
- Consider flood insurance: Flood damage isn't covered by most homeowner's insurance. Consider a flood insurance policy.
- Know what to do if you lose power.
- Stock up on emergency supplies.
- Chat with your family/roommates about what you'd do in a flood emergency. Where would you evacuate to if you needed to? Who are your emergency contacts?
- Have an attic? Put an ax up there. A lesser-known tip from rescuers, this is helpful if your home is flooded and you must wait for rescue on your roof.
During Flooding
- Turn around, don't drown: Never willingly walk, swim, or drive through flood waters.
- Never drive around barricades. Responders use them to safely direct traffic away from flooded areas.
- Pay attention to forecasts for up-to-date information and safety instructions. Consider altering/postponing travel.
- Check realtime road conditions at 511pa.com.
- Heed instructions from emergency officials to evacuate or shelter-in-place.
- Try to avoid bridges over rushing waters. They can wash out without warning.
- Driving at night? Be extra cautious. It will be extra difficult to spot flood waters.
- Trapped in your vehicle in rising water? Stay in your car. Climb up on the roof if you have to.
- Keep an eye out for misinformation, especially on social media where rumors and inaccurate messaging can be common.
After Flooding
- Wait for the all-clear from officials before returning home.
- Take pictures of damage around your home before you clean up. This will help you get reimbursed.
- Continue to follow instructions from emergency officials. Keep an eye out for community resource centers and other help, like cleanup hotlines. We'll also announce if disaster funding becomes available.
- Continue to avoid flood water. It can be contaminated and contain dangerous debris, as well as downed wires.
- Don't touch electrical equipment that has gotten wet. Turn it off if you are able to do so.
- Be aware that snakes and other animals could be in your home.
