READ THIS FIRST — FLOOD EMERGENCY CHECK
If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
If you need shelter, sandbags, cleanup help, or local instructions, call Oregon 211 (211 or 866-698-6155).
If toilets, sinks, or floor drains are backing up, stop using all water and shut off household water.
If water is touching outlets, cords, or appliances, shut off electricity (only if safe).
FOOD PREPARATION AND RESOURCES
RIGHT NOW (0–15 minutes)
Move to higher ground.
Avoid flooded roads and bridges. Cars may stall if water enters the muffler.
Stop using water if drains or toilets back up.
Shut off electricity if water is approaching outlets (only if safe).
Call 911 if anyone is in danger.
NEXT 1–3 HOURS
Prepare to evacuate if advised.
Set sandbags or barriers.
Charge phones and backup batteries.
TODAY / TONIGHT
Monitor NWS (National Weather Service) Portland updates at this link: https://www.weather.gov/pqr/
Avoid unnecessary travel.
Keep plumbing use minimal.
Critical Shutoffs & Life Safety
DISCLAIMER: Information is provided solely as a courtesy without warranty or guarantee of any kind whatsoever. You aee hereby notified and advised to seek counsel from qualified professionals at your own risk and expense. WARNING / CAUTION / DANGER ALERT: There could be life and death risks, harms, dangers, penalties, fines or other consequences for shutting off utilities and/or other activities..
When and Why to Shut Off Household Water
Shut off household water if floodwater enters the home, sewer backups occur, pipes burst, or evacuation is likely.
When and Why to Shut Off Electrical Service
Shut off electricity if water enters living areas or approaches the electrical panel.
Natural Gas Shutoff (Only When Necessary)
Shut off gas only if you smell gas or floodwater reaches gas equipment.
Protecting the Home From Flood Water
Use sandbags and plastic sheeting (e.g. tarps) at doors, garages, and crawlspaces.
Seal foundation cracks and cover basement window wells.
Protect drains with backflow prevention and test sump pumps.
Sewer, Sink, Toilet & Drain Backups
Stop using all plumbing immediately.
Shut off household water and electricity if safe.
Treat all backup water as contaminated.
Call Oregon 211 for cleanup help.
Preparation Before Flood Season
Label utility shutoffs.
Maintain gutters, drains, and sump pumps.
Prepare emergency kits and evacuation plans.
Flood Insurance (Ready.gov / FEMA Guidance)
Standard homeowners and renters insurance does not cover flooding.
Consider flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program.
FloodSmart / NFIP: https://www.floodsmart.gov
Ready.gov Flood Guidance: https://www.ready.gov/floods
After the Flood
Avoid standing water and downed wires.
Document damage before cleanup.
Have utilities inspected before restoring service.
Federal Disaster Resources & Support
Emotional and mental health support during disasters.
SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746
Link: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/helplines/disaster-distress-helpline
FEMA Disaster Assistance — apply for housing, repairs, and recovery aid.
Phone: 800-621-3362
Link: https://www.disasterassistance.gov
Ready.gov Floods — preparedness, response, and recovery guidance.
Link: https://www.ready.gov/floods
FloodSmart / NFIP — flood insurance education and risk awareness.
Link: https://www.floodsmart.gov
EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) – Flood Cleanup & Air Safety Information
Link: https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/resources-flood-cleanup-and-indoor-air-quality
Other Information
State of Oregon Flood Hazard Prep Information:
Link: https://www.oregon.gov/oem/hazardsprep/pages/floods.aspx
IHS Additional Flood Cleanup Information
Link: https://www.ihs.gov/california/index.cfm/offices/oehe/dehs/emergency-management/flood/