BEFORE/PREPARATION: If heavy rain or extreme weather is expected, move valuables, electronics, and important documents off the floor and out of any basement-level rooms. Know where your circuit breaker is located and how to shut off the power if necessary. If you know that your house/apartment floods often, it may be worth picking up materials like gloves, buckets, or waterproof bags to assist during these events.

DURING: If water begins to enter your home, stay away from your basement or other lower levels. Do not touch outlets, cords, or other electrical appliances if there is water near them. Move to higher floors if you are able, and pay attention to city alerts and instructions.

AFTER: Once it is safe, document all damage before beginning to clean up. Floodwater can be very dirty and may contain sewage or other chemicals, so dispose of items that cannot be properly disinfected. If you had to turn off your power, do not turn it back on until a professional confirms that it is safe to do so. If you witness any infrastructure or building damage, report it to 311.

BEFORE/PREPARATION: If heavy rain or other weather is expected, try to avoid parking or driving in lower elevation areas since water can rise faster than it appears. Maps like the one at this link can help you with that. If you are aware that certain areas/streets flood regularly, try to plan alternative routes ahead of time. If possible, keep a small emergency kit in your car at all times, consisting of a flashlight, a small tool to break car windows or cut seat belts, and other first aid materials. An example of one of these can be found at this link.

DURING: If water begins to rise around your car, do not attempt to drive through it. Floodwater can be deceptive, as it can hide debris, open manholes, or create sinkholes/dips in the ground. If your car becomes surrounded by water, it's usually safer to abandon the vehicle and move to higher ground. However, it is important to assess based on your environment and physical attributes if it is feasible and safe for you to do this. Avoid water that has a quick current, and call emergency services for help if you find yourself trapped. If you are stuck inside your car, and the water level has grown too much, you must find something to escape your seatbelt and break out through your window. Here is the link to a tool that can help with that.

AFTER: Once the water recedes, do not start your car if water could have entered the engine or interior. This can cause severe damage and is a safety hazard. Document all vehicle damage for insurance, and be sure to have your vehicle inspected by a professional before attempting to use it again. 

BEFORE/PREPARATION: Before a storm, take note of which areas water usually collects on a street. If possible, clear leaves and other trash from storm drains. Wear waterproof shoes/boots when going outside, and try to avoid low-elevation streets. 

DURING: Flooded streets are always dangerous during a storm, even if they appear calm. Avoid moving water as much as possible, as it could be hiding dips or broken pavement. Stay away from subway entrances, basements, and other low-elevation areas where water is likely to flow more rapidly. If a storm drain near you is clogged, call 311 and do not attempt to unclog it yourself unless the water is extremely shallow and not moving.

AFTER: Let the water drain naturally before walking through flooded streets. Avoid touching objects like wires and debris that could have submerged in water. Once it appears safe to move around, check on any vulnerable people and report any lasting damage to the city/relevant officials.

BEFORE/PREPARATION: Before heading to the subway, check the MTA app or service alerts to check if your station is operating normally. Note that even in minor floods, many subway lines will have service delays. If you are unsure if it is safe to enter a station, it is better to stay at street level for the time being. If you need to take public transit, try using a bus instead.

DURING: If water begins to enter the station, move to higher ground immediately. Do not attempt to board trains that appear partially flooded. Water in train stations is extremely dangerous due to the electrified tracks. Water can also rise incredibly quickly, posing a threat to everyone underground. If you find yourself stuck inside a train car, remain calm and try to avoid moving water. Always make sure to follow instructions from MTA employees or station staff.

AFTER: Once service resumes, expect frequent service delays and reroutes. If you witnessed dangerous conditions, like water rushing onto a platform or an electrical hazard, report it using the MTA app or alert station staff.