(Source: USGS (www.usgs.gov/hazards/floods)
Floods
Floods are one of the leading causes of death from natural disasters in the United States. Over 200 flood-related fatalities are reported each year with over half being vehicle-related when people try to drive through floodwaters. Floods can damage and devastate homes and farms, displace families as well as pets and livestock, damage crops, and disrupt agriculture processing and business.
Flood situations are variable and can occur as a result of spring snowmelt, severe thunderstorms, prolonged rains, inadequate drainage or failure of levees and dams. The impact can be local affecting a neighborhood or community, or very large, affecting entire river basins and multiple states. Some develop slowly – allowing time to prepare and evacuate – while others (e.g., flash floods) can develop quickly, even within minutes.
While flood situations cannot be entirely prevented, steps can be taken to prevent or minimize injury and loss and speed the recovery process. The following resources will help you prepare your family, home and farm, animals and business for flood situations.
Flood Preparedness Factsheets
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• Floods and Your Family (pdf, 1 page) • More Family Resources |
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• Floods and Your Home (pdf, 2 pages) • More Home Resources |
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• Floods and Your Pets (pdf, 1 page) • Floods and Your Livestock (pdf, 1 page) • More Pet and Livestock Resources |
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• Floods and Your Farm (pdf, 1 page) • More Farm Resources |
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• Floods and Your Crops (pdf, 1 page) • More Crop Resources |
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• Floods and Your Business (pdf, 1 page) • More Business Resources |
Additional Web Resources
CDC's main website of flood preparedness, response and recovery information.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Website with FEMA flood maps - find flood maps for your area or address.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Main flood preparedness website for NDSU-Extension - contains factsheets, weblinks, podcasts and more to help families, farmers and ranchers, and communities prepare for and recover from flood situations.
North Dakota State University Extension Service
FEMA's main website on flood information and resources, including flood risk maps.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Website with general flood information for kids.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Main website of the USGS on flood related resources, including mapping of flood and high flow water conditions in the United States.
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
Monitor river conditions in your area for flood watches and warnings.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Flood Factsheets
Information explaining the concept and uncertanties of the "100-year" flood.
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
Factsheet describing the impact of floods and USGS monitoring efforts.
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
Extensive guide for community leaders on how to protect people and property and reduce future flood loss in floodplain areas.
Kansas Department of Agriculture
Document discussing the largest floods that have occurred within the United States.
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)