NYCEM Shares Steps for New Yorkers To Prepare for Flash Floods

April 3, 2026

#09-26

NYCEM SHARES STEPS FOR NEW YORKERS TO PREPARE FOR FLASH FLOODS

New Yorkers Can Tune into the Latest Episode of NYCEM's "¡Prepárate!" Podcast Episode, for Flood Preparedness Tips in Spanish

NEW YORK - With Spring around the corner, New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) is reminding New Yorkers prepare for flash flooding-one of the city's fastest-moving and most dangerous weather threats, especially for residents living in basement apartments.

"Flooding can escalate from a nuisance to a life-threatening danger very quickly," said NYCEM Commissioner Christina Farrell. "Rainstorms can feel routine, but they can turn deadly within moments-especially for New Yorkers in basement apartments. Make sure you're signed up for Notify NYC: you can opt-in to receive special flood warnings designed to alert New Yorkers living in basement apartments about life-threatening weather conditions."

Flash flooding is caused by thunderstorms and other intense rainstorms, and is the number one cause of deaths associated with thunderstorms, claiming more than 140 lives each year in the United States.

Heavy rain can overwhelm streets, transit systems, and homes, with water rising in a matter of minutes and often with little warning. In recent years, flash flooding has become more frequent and more severe, posing life-threatening risks across all five boroughs. Basement apartments and below-ground spaces are especially vulnerable, as they are typically the first places where water enters and can fill rapidly.

When flooding occurs, conditions can become dangerous in seconds. Monitoring weather alerts, especially overnight, and keeping phones nearby with alerts turned on and volume up can help New Yorkers act early. No one should ever walk or drive through flooded streets, stairwells, subway stations, or underpasses. Floodwater can be contaminated or electrically charged, creating serious and sometimes hidden hazards.

During flash flood threats, NYCEM activates the City's Flash Flood Emergency Plan, coordinating closely with the National Weather Service, city and state agencies, utility providers, and private sector partners. This proactive approach includes pre-storm actions such as targeted inspection and clearing of catch basins in flood-prone areas by the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Transportation to help reduce street flooding before heavy rain begins. Coordinated interagency calls ensure partners are briefed on emerging risks and prepared to escalate response operations as needed, while specialized emergency assets and response teams remain on standby for rapid deployment. NYCEM's 24/7 Watch Command continuously monitors weather conditions and tracks developing systems in real time.

NYCEM is expanding its outreach efforts with a new flood preparedness communications toolkit, designed to help community-based organizations, advocacy groups, and businesses amplify life-saving messages. The toolkit provides ready-to-use content and targeted guidance so trusted local partners can help New Yorkers understand their risk, prepare in advance, and act quickly when flooding occurs.

With the potential for intense rainfall increasing, preparation should begin early. Taking steps now-making a plan, gathering supplies, and staying informed-can significantly reduce risk and help keep New Yorkers safe.

NYCEM encourages New Yorkers to start by making a plan, putting together a "Go Bag," and staying informed with Notify NYC, the city's free emergency alert system, by texting NOTIFYNYC to 692-692 and replying with their ZIP code, or by visiting nyc.gov/notify.

New Yorkers living in basement apartments are strongly encouraged to sign up for the Notify NYC Basement Alert Group, which provides targeted warnings about life-threatening weather conditions so residents can act quickly. Visit nyc.gov/notify to subscribe to Notify NYC and select the option for basement apartments.

Spanish-speaking New Yorkers can also learn more about flood preparedness by tuning into episode 29 of "¡Prepárate!", NYCEM's Spanish-language podcast, where Chief of Staff Yokarina Duarte-Medina discusses the dangers of flash flooding and how residents can prepare ahead of storms.

New Yorkers can visit floodhelpny.org to understand their flood risk and learn how to better protect their property and nyc.gov/floodprep for additional resources.

Make a Plan

• Residents are encouraged to plan ahead before storms arrive:
• If you live in a basement apartment, go to a higher floor when it rains. Do not wait for water to enter your unit.
• Plan ahead with your neighbors to have a safe place to go during possible flooding.
• Keep exits clear and know more than one way out.
• Make a family plan: who goes where and how to stay in touch.
• Move important things off the floor, especially in basements.
• Speak with neighbors on higher floors ahead of time so you have a safe place to go.
• Keep exits clear. Have more than one way out. Practice the safest route from your home to safe, high ground in case you have to leave.
• Make a household emergency plan so everyone knows what to do, where to go, and how to get in touch.
• Elevate valuables off of the floor, especially in basements.

Gather Supplies

• Being prepared with the right supplies can help you act quickly:
• Make a Go Bag with IDs, medicine, flashlight & batteries, chargers, and extra clothes.
• Put important papers and electronics in waterproof bags.
• Install a water sensor or flood alarm in your basement or ground floor.
• Keep materials ready to block water: sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, or lumber.
• Have a battery-powered radio to get local emergency updates if the power goes out.
• Prepare a Go Bag that you can grab in case you need to leave in a hurry. Include essentials like IDs, medications, a flashlight and batteries, chargers, and extra clothes.
• Keep important documents and electronics in waterproof bags.
• Install a water sensor or flood alarm in your basement and/or ground floor.
• Decide what materials can help block water from entering your building, like water barriers, sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, or lumber. Keep these on hand to protect your home.
• Keep a battery-operated AM/FM radio tuned to a local station so that you can receive and follow emergency instructions even if the power goes out.

Stay Informed

• Text NOTIFYNYC to 692-692 and reply with your zip code. Or sign up at nyc.gov/notify
• Basement Apartments: If you live in a basement, join the Basement Alert Group to get special flood warnings.
• Turn on emergency alerts so you get critical updates like Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on your phone.
• iPhone: Open Settings, tap Notifications, scroll to Government Alerts, and turn on Emergency Alerts and Severe Alerts.
• Android: Open Settings, go to Safety and Emergency or Notifications and Advanced Settings, tap Wireless Emergency Alerts, turn on Allow alerts, and make sure Extreme threats and Severe threats are enabled.
• Learn Your Flood Risk: Visit floodhelpny.org to see if your home is at risk and how to stay safe.

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MEDIA CONTACT: NYCEM Press Office (718) 422-4888

STAY CONNECTED: @NotifyNYC (emergency notifications), @nycemergencymgt (emergency preparedness info)

Facebook: /NYCemergencymanagement