Flood Awareness & Safety Tips CMB Edit page

Flood Awareness and Safety Tips

A reference guide to use before, during and after a flood

Upcoming Sandbag Distribution

The City of Miami Beach will be hosting a free sandbag distribution event next Friday, July 26 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. attwo surface parking lot locations: 2100 Collins Avenue (east of Collins Park) and 225 79 Street.

Sandbags will be pre-filled and there is a limit of 4 per household. Available while supplies last. Residents are required to show proof of residency via a government-issued ID or utility bill.

As a reminder, only dry sandbags can be stored for reuse. Sandbags exposed to floodwaters may have come into contact with contaminants or pollutants and should be disposed of with care. After a flooding event, please place used sandbags curbside during the city-announced pickup period. Do not empty sandbags onto beaches or into drains. Remember, taking sand from our beaches is prohibited. The sand and dunes are the city’s first line of defense against storm surge. 

Understanding Flood Alerts

Understanding the different flood alerts can help you prepare for flood events.

Flood Advisory

Be aware! A Flood Advisory is issued when flooding is not expected to be severe enough to issue a watch but may cause significant inconvenience, and could potentially lead to situations that threaten life or property. The National Weather Service (NWS) sometimes issues advisories independently of Flood Watches or Warnings. They are often issued for specific locations if forecasters believe there is a possibility for localized impacts.

Flood Watch

Be prepared! A Flood Watch means conditions are favorable for flooding to occur in a designated area. It is a cautionary alert indicating that residents should be prepared and stay informed about weather conditions. Monitor weather updates regularly, know routes to higher ground or shelter and be ready to take action if a Flood Warning is issued.

Flood Warning

Take action! A Flood Warning indicates flooding is imminent or already occurring in a specified area. It is issued when flooding poses a threat to life and property. Take prompt action to protect yourself and your property. This may involve moving to higher ground, securing belongings and following evacuation orders if necessary.

Flash Flood Warning

Take immediate action! A Flash Flood Warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring. Flash floods are sudden and can happen within hours or even minutes of excessive rainfall. Move to higher ground immediately and avoid areas prone to flooding. Avoid driving during flash floods as roads can quickly become impassable.

Flash Flood Emergency

You are in danger! This rare alert is issued when flooding could cause additional significant impacts. Seek immediate shelter on high ground. Pull over if you are driving, especially in areas that typically flood. Wait for conditions to improve.

Floodwater Safety Tips

• Do not walk through floodwaters. It only takes 6 inches of moving water to knock you off your feet. There may be hazards like pollutants and debris that are not visible in the water. 
• Avoid driving through floodwaters for your safety and to prevent vehicle damage.
• Don’t speed — waves worsen flooding effects in neighborhoods.
• Do not use hazard lights while driving. Use them only when stopped.
• Road closures may occur as a result of flooding. Sign up for our traffic and emergency updates by texting MBAlert to 888777.
• Wash your car thoroughly if it comes into contact with floodwaters, including the undercarriage. Floodwaters are high in salinity and could damage your vehicle.
• To prevent water from backing up in a dwelling, decrease water use during heavy rains. Avoid flushing toilets, running dishwashers and washing machines. Take shorter showers, use less water in the bathtub and turn off sprinklers. 
• Be sure to have a current flood insurance policy for your home or business. It is required for most properties and encouraged for all.
• Protect your property by investing in flood risk mitigation, such as using flood-resistant materials, elevating major appliances and raising your home.

Stay Connected

• Listen to local radio and television stations for the latest weather updates.
• Text MBAlert to 888777 to receive emergency and traffic notifications via text.
• Follow the city on Facebook, Nextdoor and Xfor real-time city updates.
• If this email was forwarded to you, subscribe to future email alerts at miamibeachfl.gov/subscriptions.

Report Flooding

If you come across any flooding that obstructs access or causes damage to public or private property, please report it to our 24/7 Public Works Control Room by calling 305.673.7625, using the Miami Beach Gov app or emailing [email protected].