Floods

While it often seems like flooding is beyond our control, there are measures we can take to help minimize the impact on ourselves or our homes.

Flood Safety

State employees are an important part of providing critical services to the citizens of Minnesota. The following resources will help employees identify the appropriate steps for preparing for a flood, what actions to take during a flood, and how to handle the potential emotional impacts a flood may have on ourselves, our family, our community.

Floods are one of the most common hazards in the United States. Flood effects can be local, impacting a neighborhood or community, or very large, affecting entire river basins and multiple states.

Since flooding is the nation's most common natural disaster, we have valuable experience to draw from.

The best way to prepare for the unique sense of powerlessness that flooding can bring is to take care of the things that are in your control. The information on this site can help you prepare and recover from flooding.

However, all floods are not alike. Some floods develop slowly, sometimes over a period of days. But flash floods can develop quickly, sometimes in just a few minutes and without any visible signs of rain. Flash floods often have a dangerous wall of roaring water that carries rocks, mud, and other debris and can sweep away most things in its path. Overland flooding occurs outside a defined river or stream, such as when a levee is breached, but still can be destructive. Flooding can also occur when a dam breaks, producing effects similar to flash floods.

Be aware of flood hazards no matter where you live, but especially if you live in a low-lying area, near water or downstream from a dam. Even very small streams, gullies, creeks, culverts, dry streambeds, or low-lying ground that appear harmless in dry weather can flood.

Flood Preparation and Safety

Before a Flood
During a Flood
If a flood is likely in your area, you should:
- Listen to the radio or television for information.
- Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.
- Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons, and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without such typical warnings as rain clouds or heavy rain.
If you must prepare to evacuate, you should do the following:
- Secure your home. If you have time, bring in outdoor furniture. Move essential items to an upper floor.
- Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
If you have to leave your home, remember these evacuation tips:
- Do not assume the worst Focus your thoughts on what is realistic and most likely to happen based on the most current and reliable information. Worriers often "catastrophize" when faced with uncertainty. Be ready to avoid or limit your exposure to news media that adds to your worries. Take a few deep breaths and repeat to yourself, “Stay calm” and “I will get through this.”
- Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
- Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be quickly swept away.
Driving Flood Facts

The following are important points to remember when driving in flood conditions:
- Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling.
- A foot of water will float many vehicles.
- Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUV’s) and pick-ups. Prepare Emotionally
Do not assume the worst

Focus your thoughts on what is realistic and most likely to happen based on the most current and reliable information. Worriers often "catastrophize" when faced with uncertainty. Be ready to avoid or limit your exposure to news media that adds to your worries. Take a few deep breaths and repeat to yourself, “Stay calm” and “I will get through this.”

Plan to stay well-informed

Reliable information helps relieve the paralysis caused by uncertainty. Use trusted sources of information and check rumors.

Extend support to others

Helping others can soothe your own uncertainties. Assist loved ones and neighbors by exchanging emergency contact information, helping to “flood-proof” their home, or simply by listening and providing kind words of support during times of uncertainty.
After a Flood
The following are guidelines for the period following a flood:
- Listen for news reports to learn whether the community’s water supply is safe to drink.
- Avoid floodwaters; water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. Water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
- Avoid moving water.
- Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.
- Stay away from downed power lines, and report them to the power company.
- Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.
- Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.
- Use extreme caution when entering buildings; there may be hidden damage, particularly in foundations.
- Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are serious health hazards.
- Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwater can contain sewage and chemicals