Floods are the most severe natural disaster in Louisville Metro according to the Louisville Metro Multi-Hazards Mitigation Plan. Flooding can occur from the Ohio River, interior streams, or a dam or levee failure. River floods generally develop slowly over several days or weeks, but flash floods from heavy rains or a dam or levee failure can occur in just a few minutes. Everyone should be aware of the flood hazards and be prepared.
Visit our Maps to find out more about the flood maps and how to determine if you are located in a floodplain.
To prepare for a flood, you should:
- Have a Disaster supply kit.
- Make a Family Plan and a Pet Plan.
- Have a Safe Place to Go.
- Get flood insurance. Go to floodsmart.gov for flood insurance information.
- If you live in the floodplain or a floodprone area, elevate you mechanicals, such as the air conditioner, furnace, water heater and electric panel above the flood elevation.
- If you have problems with basement flooding, check out MSD’s free Plumbing Modification Program.
- If feasible, construct barriers to stop floodwaters from entering buildings and seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds.
- Store irreplaceable items and valuables in an area safe from flooding.
- Keep debris out of ditches and streams. To report a blockage in a stream, call MSD Customer Service at 540-0603.
