Floodwater Safety

For Everyone

Key points

Floodwaters contain many things that may harm health.

Script

Floodwaters contain many things that may harm health.

  • Never drive or walk through floodwaters. Turn around, don't drown!
  • Avoid downed power lines.
  • Water could contain human and animal waste. Wash your hands with soap and clean water or use hand sanitizer if you come into contact with floodwaters.
  • You may not see physical dangers like lumber, vehicles, and debris.

Learn more ways to stay safe during a flood: www.cdc.gov/disasters.

Content Source
National Center for Environmental Health
About This Page
Published: May 15, 2024
Updated: February 5, 2024

This page was last updated on this date. Updates may include minor edits, image changes, or other modifications to page content.

Reviewed: August 26, 2026

The information on this page was last reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy.