What to know about floods?
Flooding is a temporary overflow of water onto land that is normally dry. In The Bahamas, floods can occur frequently due to heavy rains, hurricanes, and storm surges. Failing to evacuate flooded areas or entering floodwaters can lead to injury or even death.
Floods may result from:
- Intense rainfall, particularly during hurricane season (June 1st to November 30th).
- Storm surges associated with tropical storms and hurricanes.
- Overflow from creeks, lakes or drainage systems.
If you are under a flood warning:
- Find safe shelter right away.
- Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters.
- Remember, just six inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
- Stay away from coastal roads or low-lying 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.
Preparing for a Flood
Know Your Risk for Floods
Stay informed through the DRM Authority, Bahamas Department of Meteorology and local news outlets to know if your neighbourhood is at flood risk.
Purchase Flood Insurance
Purchase or renew a flood insurance policy. Homeowner’s insurance policies typically do not cover flooding. Consider obtaining flood coverage through a local insurer.
Plan Ahead
Make a plan for your household, including your pets, so that you and your family know what to do, where to go, and what you will need to protect yourselves from flooding. Learn and practice evacuation routes, shelter plans, and flash flood response. Gather supplies, including non-perishable foods, cleaning supplies, and water for several days, in case you must leave immediately or if services are cut off in your area.
Visit our Get Ready: Home Emergency Plan for more information on creating a Family Disaster Plan
In Case of Emergency
Keep important documents in a waterproof container. Create password-protected digital copies. Protect your property. Move valuables to higher levels. Declutter drains and gutters. Install check valves. Consider a sump pump with a battery.
Staying Safe during a Flood:
- Evacuate immediately, if told to do so. Listen to local authorities and first responders when they redirect traffic out of flooded areas.
- Contact your healthcare provider If you are sick and need medical attention. Wait for further care instructions and shelter in place, if possible. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-9.
- Stay informed through the DRM Authority’s updates and local alerting systems for the latest emergency information and instructions regarding flooding.
- Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters.
- Stay away from coastal roads and low-lying bridges over water.
- Stay inside your car if it is trapped in moving water. Get on the roof if water is rising inside the car.
- Get to the highest level if trapped in a building. Only get on the roof if necessary and once there, signal for help. Do not climb into a closed attic to avoid getting trapped by rising floodwater.
Staying Safe after a Flood:
- Pay attention to authorities for information and instructions. Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
- Avoid driving except in emergencies.
- Wear heavy work gloves, protective clothing and boots during clean up and use appropriate face coverings or masks if cleaning mold or debris.
- People with asthma and other lung conditions and/or immune suppression should not enter buildings with indoor water leaks or mold growth that can be seen or smelled. Children should not take part in disaster cleanup work.
- Be aware that snakes and other animals may be in your house.
- Be aware of the risk of electrocution. Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. Turn off the electricity to prevent electric shock if it is safe to do so.
- Avoid wading in floodwater, which can be contaminated and contain dangerous debris. Underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water.
- Use a generator or other gasoline-powered machinery ONLY outdoors and away from windows.
