How do you find out whether your land can flood?
Start with what you can learn without cost. Flood maps from your county or the federal flood program show mapped risk zones, and your county emergency office or floodplain administrator can tell you what the maps say about your parcel. Neighbors who have lived nearby for decades often know which fields hold water and which roads close first.
Do not rely on the map alone. Flash flooding can happen far from a mapped stream when heavy rain hits hard soil or a blocked culvert. Walk your property after a big storm and note where water runs, pools and pours across the driveway.
- Ask the county floodplain office about your parcel
- Note low spots, ditches and culverts
- Ask long-time neighbors where water has reached before
What should you do before a flood season?
Move anything you cannot afford to lose to higher ground: feed, tools, important papers, medications and equipment. Keep fuel tanks, chemicals and propane secured, since floating containers can spill and cause pollution. Make sure your household knows where the main shutoffs are, but never touch electrical equipment if you are standing in water.
Set up a plan for animals too. Know where you would move them, how you would transport them, and who would help. Fence lines near creeks may wash out, so think about where animals could end up if gates fail.
When is it time to leave?
Leave early. Water rises faster than most people expect, and roads can be cut off before you realize it. If officials issue an evacuation order, follow it. If you are watching a creek rise and you have any doubt, go sooner rather than later, especially if you need to move trailers or animals.
Never drive through flooded roads. A small amount of moving water can move a vehicle, and you cannot see whether the road beneath is intact. The same rule applies to walking in floodwater, which may hide debris, sharp objects and hazards.
What about livestock and poultry?
Move animals to higher ground before the water arrives when you can do so safely. Do not shut animals in a barn that could flood. Animals can often swim or float for a time, but fences, hazards and exhaustion put them at risk, so a clear path to higher ground is the safest plan.
Identification helps reunite lost animals with owners. Use tags, brands, microchips or simple markings, and keep recent photos. Ask your extension office or state veterinarian what local animal evacuation resources exist, since these vary by area.
- Move animals early, not at the last minute
- Provide higher ground with feed and clean water
- Keep identification and photos current
What are the hazards after the water goes down?
Floodwater can carry sewage, chemicals, fuel and animal waste. Avoid contact with it, wash thoroughly after any exposure, and keep children away from affected areas. Do not use electrical equipment that has been wet until a qualified person inspects it, and do not enter flooded buildings if they might be unstable.
Well water may be contaminated after a flood. Do not drink from a flooded well until a local health office tells you how to have it tested and disinfected. Use safe drinking water from another source in the meantime.
How do you handle food, feed and crops after a flood?
Food that has touched floodwater is usually unsafe, and the same is true for sealed items that could not be cleaned properly. Ask your local health department or extension office what to do with garden produce, stored feed and hay. Crops that were covered by floodwater have special rules that depend on what the plant is and how it will be used.
Never guess about food safety. If you are not sure, ask a professional before you eat, sell or feed anything affected. Document damage with photos for insurance and for any assistance programs you may qualify for.
Who can help you recover?
Your county emergency office, extension office and local Farm Service Agency can explain what help may be available after a flood. Programs and deadlines change, so ask each office directly rather than relying on rumor. Keep records of damage, repairs and expenses.
Take care of yourselves, too. Cleanup is heavy, tiring work, and people get hurt when they are tired. Rest, wear protective gear, ask for help with heavy lifting, and talk to a doctor if you have injuries or symptoms.
Key takeaways
- Learn your flood risk from the county floodplain office and from neighbors who remember past floods.
- Move animals, feed and valuables early, and never drive or walk through floodwater.
- Do not drink from a flooded well until it has been tested and cleared by local health officials.
- Document damage and ask your local FSA and emergency office about help.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Homestead & Small Farm Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.