KNOW YOUR RISK. STAY READY.
Flooding Resource Hub
Practical tools and trusted information to help you prepare for flooding, protect your household, and look out for your community.
Flooding can happen anywhere it rains, even outside a mapped flood zone. Knowing your risk and your plan before the water rises can keep your family safe.
Whether you received one of our Flood Safety and Preparedness Toolkits, attended a Planning Ahead program, or found us while looking for resources, you are in the right place.
Because you matter.
Four Things You Can Do Today
Small steps now can protect your home and your family later.
Check your risk
Look up your address on North Carolina's flood maps and alert tools.
Flood insurance
Most homeowners policies do not cover flooding, and a new flood policy can take 30 days to start.
Protect papers
Keep important documents in a waterproof container and save digital copies.
Clear drains
Clearing leaves and trash from drains near your home helps prevent street flooding.
MAKE YOUR PLAN
Create Your Household Flood Plan
What would your household do if flood water started rising tomorrow?
Where is your nearest higher ground? How would you get there? Where are your important papers? Who would check on you?
Planning Ahead's Household Flood Plan helps you answer those questions before an emergency.
Use the plan to:
✓ Choose a trusted source for weather and flood alerts
✓ Check your home's flood risk
✓ Look into flood insurance
✓ Know your route to higher ground
✓ Plan for medicines and health needs
✓ Protect important papers
✓ Keep supplies for several days
✓ Save key phone numbers
✓ Identify people you'll check on
✓ Plan for your pets
Download your printable plan (PDF) and keep it with your emergency supplies.
Turn Around, Don't Drown
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Just 6 inches of fast-moving water can knock over an adult.
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12 inches of rushing water can carry away most cars, and 2 feet can carry away SUVs and trucks.
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Over half of flood drownings happen when someone drives into flood water.
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Downed power lines can electrify flood water. Stay out of it.
What To Do
During a flood
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If there is a flood warning, get to safe shelter right away. Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood water.
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Leave when officials tell you to, and never drive around barricades.
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If you are trapped in a building, go to the highest level. Do not climb into a closed attic.
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For a life-threatening flood, call 911. Report flooded city streets to Durham One Call at 919-560-1200.
After a flood
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Go home only when officials say it is safe.
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Stay out of flood water. It can carry sewage, chemicals, and sharp objects. When in doubt, throw out wet food.
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Wear boots, gloves, and a mask to clean up. Dry your home within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold.
Check on others
Neighbors without transportation, with health conditions, or who speak limited English may need help during an evacuation. They can sign up for Durham County's Access and Functional Needs Shelter Registration through Alert Durham. After a flood, people with asthma or lung conditions should stay out of moldy buildings, and children should not help with cleanup.
Trusted Resources
Official sources for alerts, safety tips, and local help. Links open in a new tab.