Floods can happen anywhere, anytime

April showers bring May flowers — and floods. From drizzling to pouring, plenty of rain has come our way this spring. In the case of the Midwest, that has led to devastating flooding.

Earth Day is April 22, which is a good reminder that climate change is bringing more extreme weather, including severe floods. Floods are scary and dangerous. This spring, floods have killed at least four people and destroyed 2,000 homes.

And rainy season isn’t over yet. Hundreds of millions of Americans are still at risk for above-average flooding through May. With that in mind, now is a great time to prepare for floods, which can happen anywhere and anytime.

Before a flood, you should:

• Learn what evacuation plans your community has for floods. 
• Check out shelter locations and emergency alert systems.  
• Put together an emergency preparedness stockpile.
• Get flood insurance, especially if you live in a high-risk area. 

During a flood, you should:

• Turn off the electricity, gas and water when evacuating.
• Never walk, swim or drive through floodwaters. 
• Sanitize your sinks and bathtubs with bleach and fill them with water so you have a clean water source.

After a flood, you should:

• Listen to authorities for instructions and information, such as whether it is safe to return to a flooded area. 
• Wear gloves and wash your hands often when cleaning up.
• Be alert for electrical equipment and other dangers in the water. 
• Start an insurance claim and get help if you have damage.   

For more tips, check out our Get Ready flood fact sheet.

You can also act on climate year-round. Small, everyday changes can make a big difference! Join the conversation by using the hashtag #ClimateChangesHealth on social media.