Here’s what New Yorkers need to know about flood preparation and recovery:

  • Basements flood first. Water rises fast and can be deadly.
  • Use NYC Flood Maps and know your evacuation zone.
  • Keep documents safe, pack a go bag, sign up for alerts, and have an escape plan. 
  • Leave early during a flood, avoid floodwater and electricity outlets, and call 911 if you are trapped.
  • Reenter your home with caution, wear protective coverings, check for mold, and reach out for assistance from charity organizations or city agencies if needed.

There are an estimated 100,000 basement apartments in New York City — and according to a report by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, 10% of low-income and immigrant New Yorkers live in areas with basement apartments that are at high risk of flooding, which can be dangerous. If you are someone who has experienced or is worried about flooding, here’s what you can do to make sure you and your family can stay safe during severe storms and floods.

Understand the risks

Flood water is dangerous for many reasons — it may carry sewage, mold, and bacteria that can make you sick. And if floodwater comes into contact with electric outlets or wires, it can cause serious injury or even death.

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NOAA’s State Climate Summaries forecasted unprecedented warming in New York this century, which means that the state is facing greater sea level rise than global averages, more tidal flood days, and wetter winters with more rain than snow. Even if your apartment or basement has never flooded, stronger storms from climate change mean your risk of experiencing a flood is now higher.

Tools to check your risk

Knowing your flood risk can help you protect your family and prepare before the next storm. Here’s where you can look up your address and assess your home’s flood risk.

If a hurricane is coming, the City may order evacuations in certain zones. Learn your evacuation zone now so you’re not caught off guard. Check at maps.nyc.gov/hurricane or call 311.

What can I do to prepare before the storm?

Take some time to prepare now, before the heavy rain comes.

  • Keep passports, immigration papers, and medical records in a sealed plastic bag or waterproof container.
  • Pack water, food, clothes, medicine, a flashlight, phone charger, and some cash. Keep the bag close to the door so you can grab it quickly if you need to leave in a hurry.
  • Sign up for Notify NYC, the city’s official system for emergency alerts (text NOTIFYNYC to 692-692, reply with your ZIP code, or use the free app for iOS or Android) and follow local weather updates. For more information, you can also visit rainfallready.nyc to learn what you can do.
  • Know your fastest way out of the basement and arrange plans with a neighbor or friend who lives above ground in case you need shelter.

What do I need to know about heavy rain or flooding?

When storms are approaching, it is safest to act early. Do not wait until water is rushing into your apartment. At the first signs of flooding, move to higher ground before the basement begins to fill with water.

Be alert to the early warning signs of basement flooding. You might notice:

  • Damp or wet patches on floors, walls or ceilings
  • Drains that bubble or gurgle
  • Water seeping through cracks or under doors
  • Strong sewage odor coming from pipes
  • Toilets bubbling or gurgling, with dirty water backing up and possibly overflowing onto the floor
  • Backups in other basement drains, such as the floor drain, shower, or laundry sink

If you see, hear, or smell any of these signs, treat the situation as an emergency and act swiftly.

If the water begins to rise, do not try to save your belongings. Go to higher ground immediately. As much as possible, avoid walking through floodwaters as just six inches can knock you down. Stay away from outlets, cords, and wires, as water can carry electricity and may shock you.

If water is rising quickly and you feel trapped, stay calm. Move to the highest point you can — stairs, a windowsill, or even on top of furniture. 

Call 911 and say you are trapped in a basement (ask for an interpreter if needed). 

If escape is possible, open a door or window before water gets too high, but never force a door open against strong water. If you cannot get out, keep your head above water and make your presence known: make noise, shine a light, or bang on walls to help rescuers find you.

Also Read: Surviving the Water: New York City’s Flooding Crisis in the Age of Climate Change

What should I do after the flood?

Do not go back into your basement right away once the water drains. Even if it looks dry, hidden health risks and dangers can still be there. Floods can damage electricity, gas, and the structure of the building. 

Before reentering your apartment after a flood, be sure to:

Look and listen for warning signs

  • If you smell gas, hear hissing, or notice flickering lights, do not go inside. Call the gas company, electric company, or 911.
  • Stay far away from wires on the ground or near wet surfaces.
  • Remember: Outlets and appliances can still shock you even after floodwater is gone. Some parts can hold leftover electricity, and water may leave moisture inside wiring. It is recommended to have an electrician check before touching or using any electricity in the apartment.

If you have determined that it is safe to reenter your apartment, protect yourself.

  • Wear heavy-duty or rubber gloves, knee-high waterproof boots, and ideally an N95 mask.
  • Avoid direct contact with floodwater.
  • Wash your hands and clothing thoroughly after any exposure.

If you experience coughing, rashes, stomach issues, or dizziness, seek medical help immediately.

Also Read: How to Cover Emergency Medical Care in NYC if You’re Uninsured

Check for signs of mold or contamination when you are inspecting the damage. These can include a strong, musty smell, black or green patches on walls, or damp furniture. Mold can make breathing difficult and can cause sickness, especially for children, older adults, or anyone with asthma or other respiratory illnesses. 

If flooding was minor, the water was not contaminated, and everything can be dried within 24 to 48 hours, it’s generally safe to handle the cleanup yourself with proper protection. However, if the water was contaminated, the flooding lasted longer than 48 hours, large areas or structural materials are soaked, or there are health and safety risks such as mold, sewage, or electrical hazards, it’s best to contact a professional flood mitigation company.

Take pictures of all damage before cleaning. These pictures can serve as an official record for future relief and recovery programs and may help you get assistance from the city, your landlord, or your insurance company.

If you rent, notify your landlord about the damage right away and ask what steps they are taking to make repairs. If they delay or refuse, call 311 to request a Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) inspection. If violations are found, HPD may require the landlord to make repairs, and can even perform them and bill the landlord if necessary.

Also Read: Evictions, Apartment Repairs, Rental Application: How to Deal with NYC Landlords

Where to find help 

New York City offers a range of free services to support you before, during, and after a flood. If you need general help or information, call 311. You can ask for help in your language, and you will be connected to the right city services for housing, shelter, or emergency needs.

For immediate shelter and emergency supplies, you can reach the American Red Cross of Greater New York at 877-733-2767. They can help you procure temporary shelter, food, and clothing if your home is unsafe or otherwise inaccessible.

For housing and tenant support, you can contact the Legal Aid Society at 212-577-3300 or Make the Road New York at 718-418-7690. Both offer free help to immigrants and tenants. 

For food and some other basic needs, find the nearest food pantry or soup kitchen through the Food Help NYC map by entering your ZIP code.