Texas Flood Awareness Week is May 19-23, 2025

Published on May 19, 2025

While dangerous floods and flash floods are possible throughout the year, they have a higher frequency during spring and summer thunderstorms. These thunderstorms can cause intense rainfall or become slow-moving storms that track over the same areas which can cause a rapid rise of water and flash floods can develop within minutes. Therefore, on Feb. 27, 2025, Gov. Greg Abbott proclaimed May 19-23, 2025 to be Flood Awareness Week in Texas. State and local leaders recognize the importance of encouraging our citizen’s to be prepared for flood emergencies. Being prepared before any flood emergency reduces fear, anxiety and confusion, therefore all residents should Get flood prepared!

• Develop a family evacuation plan with safe routes from work, home and school to a meeting place not in the floodplain.
• Develop a communication plan for reaching family members, friends, neighbors and coworkers in case of an emergency.
• Create a 3- day emergency supply kit that includes a first aid kit, water and non-perishable food.
• When evacuating, don’t forget your emergency supplies and do not return home until local officials have declared the area safe.
• Purchase a battery-operated radio or NOAA weather radio. Don’t forget the extra batteries!
• Keep insurance policies and other important documents in a waterproof, portable container.

During any emergency, personal safety is more important than property. Floodwaters can rise rapidly and sweep people and vehicles off sidewalks and/or roadways quickly. It only takes 6 inches of water to knock an adult off their feet and only 1 to 2 feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles.  This results in many injuries and deaths each year. Follow these be flood safe tips:

• Don’t walk, swim, bike or drive through flooded roadways. Remember Turn Around Don’t Drown!
• Roadways may be eroded or washed out under the water.  The depth of water may not always be obvious. 
• Be especially cautious driving at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.
• Never drive around barricaded roadways. They are there for your protection.
• Stay away from creek and stream banks in flooded or recently flooded areas and never allow children to play around high water, storm drains, ditches, ravines or concrete culverts.
• Be aware of local wildlife trying to escape floodwaters. Their homes have flooded too!

Visit Stormwater Management’s Flood Safety and Preparedness website for more ideas on protecting your family, home and property.