Flooding is a temporary overflow of water onto land that is normally dry. Floods are the most common disaster in the United States and happen in Montana. Failing to evacuate flooded areas or entering flood waters can lead to injury or death.
Floods may result from rain, snow, coastal storms, storm surges and overflows of dams and other water systems. Floods develop slowly or quickly. Flash floods can come with no warning. Floods can cause power outages, disrupt transportation, damage buildings and create landslides.
If You are Under a Flood Warning
- Find safe shelter right away.
During a Flood
- Do not walk, swim or dive through flood waters.
- TURN AROUND, DON’T DROWN!
- Remember, just six inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
- Stay off bridges over fast-moving water.
- Depending on the type of flooding:
- Evacuate if told to do so.
- Move to higher ground or a higher floor.
- Stay where you are if possible.
Know Your Risk for Floods
Visit Missoula’s Floodplain Map (https://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/2064/Floodplain-Maps) to know types of flood risk in your area. However, remember that flooding doesn’t follow lines on a map. Where it can rain it can flood. Sign up for Smart 911 to receive alerts. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
For more information on flood safety, visit Ready.gov