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Floods & Rain

Phone Information

• Flood Information Line — 1-800-232-9077, Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Voice mail after hours. Calls returned the next business day. Email anytime: fil@umn.edu. — University of Minnesota Extension — Answers about water, crops, horticulture and climatology issues.
• AnswerLine — 1-800-854-1678, Mon–Fri, 9 a.m.–noon and 1 p.m.–4 p.m. — University of Minnesota Extension — Clean stains and mildew; cook, can and freeze food safely.
• ECHO Health Alert — 1-888-883-8831 Info in multiple languages! — Emergency & Community Health Outreach (ECHO) — Minnesota/North Dakota flood resources in 10 languages, including Kurdish and Bosnian.
• 511 Traffic and Road Conditions — Dial 511 — Minnesota Department of Transportation — Weather, construction, delays and more, online or by phone at 5-1-1.
• Minnesota Duty Officer Program — 800-422-0798 (Greater Minnesota only) or 651-649-5451 (Twin Cities Metro Area) — Homeland Security and Emergency Management — Assistance and additional resources for a wide range of emergency situations.

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Climatology

Climate Data

• Minnesota Climatology Working Group — State Climatology Office, DNR Waters, and University of Minnesota — Latest weather conditions, current and historical climate data, and agricultural information.

Rivers

• Multimedia Weather Briefing (Video) National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office — Experimental briefing for the media. 
• North Central River Forecast Center — National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office — Daily updated maps of observed and forecast conditions and precipitation.
• Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service — National Weather Service — Warnings and forecasts, precipitation, river observations, satellite images and more.
• North Central River Forecast Center’s Quantified Precipitation Forecasts — National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office — Access areal-averaged and gridded graphical QPF products.

Streams

• Stream Flow Reports — Minnesota Department of Natural Resources — Weekly reports on stream flow conditions.
• WaterWatch (U.S.) — U.S. Geological Service — Map of real-time U.S. streamflow compared to historical streamflow.
• WaterWatch (Minnesota) — U.S. Geological Service — Map of real-time Minnesota streamflow compared to historical streamflow.

Watershed and Floodplain Management

• Minnesota Association of Watershed Districts — 45 watershed districts partner in water protection and management.
• Association of State Floodplain Managers — Floodplain management, flood insurance, and flood preparedness, warning, and recovery.

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Family

Disaster plan

• ‘Red File’— your grab and go case for emergency situations — University of Minnesota Extension — Include papers, prescriptions, phone numbers, passwords, and cash.
• Family Disaster Plan (215 K PDF) University of Missouri Extension — All your important information in one booklet.
• Monthly Budget/Spending Plan for Families who have Experienced a Natural Disaster (155 K PDF) — University of Minnesota Extension — Determine monthly family expenses/income prior and during a natural disaster in order to plan for future "recovery" expenses.
• Roadmap for Important Papers (3.6 MB DOC) — University of Minnesota Extension — Use this form to organize all of your important information in one place so that it can be a "Grab & Go" case for emergency situations.

Helping children cope

• It’s Important to Talk with Children about Flooding — University of Minnesota Extension — Make time to ask questions and listen; be available.
• Children and the Flood: From Fear to Hope — University of Minnesota Extension — Limit exposure to flood news, provide structure and help others.
• After the Flood: A Guide for Parents — University of Minnesota Extension — Signs of stress in kids of varying ages.
• Helping Your Child Cope with Disaster — University of Minnesota Extension — Treat fears with kindness and understanding.
• After a Natural Disaster: Talking with Children — University of Minnesota Extension and Partners — Accept kids’ feelings, be honest and reassuring, and let them help.
• After the Flood: Your Elementary Aged Child — University of Minnesota Extension — Help your elementary aged child get through the flood.
• After the Flood: Parenting Adolescents — University of Minnesota Extension — Floods present adolescents with unique opportunities and challenges.
• After the Flood: Parenting Ages 0-5 Year Olds — University of Minnesota Extension — Helping children between the ages of 0 - 5 cope with floods.

Stress and grief

• Getting Through Tough Times: Communicating Under Pressure  — University of Minnesota Extension — Speak carefully and listen attentively.
• Getting Through Tough Times: Controlling Stress  — University of Minnesota Extension — How to take care of yourself; know when to seek help.
• Grief and Crisis Decisions — University of Minnesota Extension — How each stage of grief affects decision-making.
• Trying to Understand and Cope with Disasters — University of Minnesota Extension — Symptoms of stress and how to ease it; when to seek help.
• Change: Loss, Opportunity, and Resilience (Presentation, 8:45) University of Minnesota Extension — When change is loss, people grieve.
• After a Natural Disaster: Coping with Loss — University of Minnesota Extension and Partners — The five stages of grieving.
• After a Natural Disaster: Managing Anger — University of Minnesota Extension and Partners — Change how you see things, say how you feel, and calm down.
• After a Natural Disaster: Ending Isolation — University of Minnesota Extension and Partners — Talk, ask for help, and be with people.
• What are Common Personal Reactions to a Disaster? — University of Minnesota Extension — Information about common reactions and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Getting help

• Getting Through Tough Times: Community Agencies That Can Help — University of Minnesota Extension — Jobs, finances, fuel, housing, clothing, health and social services.
• Getting Through Tough Times: Identifying Sources of Support and Friendship — University of Minnesota Extension — Build your personal network.
• Adjusting to Suddenly Reduced Income — University of Minnesota Extension — Worksheets for managing emotions and finances.
• Disaster Information (50 K PDF) — Office of the Minnesota Attorney General — Provides warnings and descriptions of common scams that occur after disaster strikes.
• Family Resource Management Resource List (124 K PDF) — University of Minnesota Extension — Lists resources that can help families who experience financial difficulties.
• Experiencing Tough Times — University of Minnesota Extension — Lists University of Minnesota Extension resources that can help families who are currently experiencing tough financial times.
• External Resources — University of Minnesota Extension — Lists external resources that can help families who are currently experiencing tough financial times.

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Farm

Livestock

• Livestock Disaster Planning — University of Minnesota Extension — Power outages, blocked roads, feed, injuries, and farm records.
• Be aware of post-flooding health concerns in livestock (News release) University of Minnesota Extension — Water, feed, vaccinations, illness, and more.
• Flood-damaged feeds, forages pose risks for livestock (News release) University of Minnesota Extension — Assess for mold and contaminated silt.
• Maintaining Livestock Health after a Flood: Issues of Disease Control and Sanitation — National Ag Safety Database — Give animals extra care; clear fields of debris.

Crops

• The Soybean Growers Field Guide for Evaluating Crop Damage and Replant Options (45 K PDF) — University of Minnesota Extension — Assess yield losses associated with delayed planting and reduced soybean population.
• The Corn Growers Field Guide for Evaluating Crop Damage and Replant Options (48 K PDF) — University of Minnesota Extension — Assess yield losses associated with delayed planting and reduced corn population.
• Considerations for Late-Planted Corn in Minnesota — University of Minnesota Extension — Advice on corn maturity, planting depth and more.
• Supplemental Nitrogen Worksheet for Corn (908 K PDF) — University of Minnesota Extension — Use in June to help determine if supplemental or extra nitrogen is needed.
• Impact of Flooding on Organic Food and Fields (55 K PDF) — University of Minnesota Extension — Certification requirements, residue analysis, variances, and more.
• Managing Flooded Grain Bins — University of Minnesota Extension — Unload dry grain; try to salvage wet grain.
• Upper Midwest Haylist — Extension Services of Minnesota, Illinois, South Dakota, and Wisconsin — Connecting hay buyers and sellers.
• Don’t Ignore Flood-Damaged Hay — Iowa State University Extension — Move wet hay; watch drying hay for signs of heating.

Equipment, debris

• Be Aware of Special Flood-Related Farm Safety Hazards! — University of Minnesota Extension — Electrical equipment, carbon dioxide, towing chains, and more.
• Flooded Farm Vehicles and Equipment — North Dakota State University Extension Service — Cleaning and reconditioning.

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Food/Water

Food

• Power Outages—Keep Food Safe — University of Minnesota Extension — Keep refrigerator closed; add dry ice to freezer.
• Food Safety During a Flood — Minnesota Department of Health — Wash hands and surfaces, and much more.
• Safety of Frozen Foods After A Power Failure — North Dakota State University — Move food to locker plant, if possible.
• Safe Handling Of Food And Utensils After A Disaster — North Dakota State University — What to throw out; what can be saved.
• Safety of Produce from Flooded Gardens (PDF, 108K) University of Wisconsin Extension — Discard leafy veggies or soft fruits; salvage produce to be cooked.
• Emergency Preparedness: Keeping Food Safe During an Emergency — U.S. Department of Agriculture — Charts of what to save, refreeze, or toss.
• Safe Food Handling – A Consumer’s Guide to Food Safety: Severe Storms and Hurricanes — U.S. Department of Agriculture — Power outages, floods, odors and more.

Cooking

• Preparing Food Without Power — University of Minnesota Extension — Try fireplace, camp stove, grill or fondue pot.
• Preparing Food During A Power Failure — North Dakota State University — Conserve fuel and water; avoid health risks.

Water

• Safe Drinking Water from Wells in Flooded Areas — University of Minnesota Extension — Steps for disinfecting water. (281 K PDF)
• Why Well Water Smells Bad — University of Minnesota Extension — Sulfur or “rotten egg” smell may be bacteria.
• Water Safety During a Disaster — Minnesota Department of Health — Help with wells and drinking water.
• In Emergency, Disinfect Drinking Water by Boiling or Chemical Treatment (News release) Iowa State University Extension — Boil or disinfect with chlorine or iodine.

Cleaning your well and septic after a flood [video] — University of Minnesota Extension

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Horticulture

Trees

• Flooded Trees - Minimize Injury — University of Minnesota Extension — Types of damage and what to do after the flood.
• Hiring a Tree Care Professional — University of Minnesota Extension — Look for certified, insured and reputable.
• Flood Damage Effects On Trees — University of Minnesota Extension Yard & Garden Line — Urban trees can be susceptible to stress and diseases.
• Trees and Shrubs for the Drainage-Challenged Landscape — University of Minnesota Extension Yard & Garden Line — A list for southeastern Minnesota.

Lawns

• Repairing Spring Flooded Lawns — University of Minnesota Extension — Lawn grasses can withstand cold floodwaters.
• Seeding and Sodding Home Lawns — University of Minnesota Extension — When most of the lawn has been damaged severely or killed.
• Lawn Renovation — University of Minnesota Extension — Chart summarizes nine steps.

Plants

• Dealing With Flooded Gardens — University of Minnesota Extension — Assessing safety of produce from flooded gardens, planting in soil that was flooded.
• April Showers Bring May Pathogens — University of Minnesota Extension Yard & Garden Line — Pseudofungi, or “water molds,” threaten plants suffering flood stress.
• Waterlogged Plants — University of Minnesota Extension Yard & Garden Line — Species and soil determine survival.

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Housing

Clean-Up

• Recovering from a Disaster: Picking Up the Pieces — University of Minnesota Extension — Safely clean and dry belongings, food safety, pets, and more.
• Cleanup: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) — Compiled by University of Minnesota Extension – Help for returning to a flood-damaged home.
• Reentering Your Flooded Home — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — Never turn power on or off yourself; drying out your house.
• Priorities for Clean-Up and Repair After a Flood — University of Minnesota Extension — Safety first: shut off gas and power, wear boots and gloves.
• Flood Safety and Cleanup — Minnesota Department of Natural Resources — Repairing, evacuating, returning to clean up, and more.
• After the Flood – A Homeowner’s Checklist — Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation — Start by drying house, furnishings within 48 hours.
• Cleaning Flooded Floors and Woodwork — University of Minnesota Extension — Scrub floors and woodwork within 48 hours (but no ammonia).
• Flooded Walls - Drying and Cleaning — University of Minnesota Extension — Quickly dry surfaces; remove all wet insulation, and more.
• Cleaning Up After A Flood — University of Minnesota Extension — Clean, then disinfect, with suitable products.
  • La limpieza después de una inundación (Spanish)
• Portable Heater and Generator Safety — University of Minnesota Extension — How to use these potentially dangerous units correctly.
• Home Insurance Claims — University of Minnesota Extension — Keep careful records of damage and losses.

Cleaning your home after a flood [video] — University of Minnesota Extension

Water, moisture

• Moisture in Basements: Causes and Solutions — University of Minnesota Extension — Five approaches to fixing the problem.
• Excess Moisture in the Home — University of Minnesota Extension — Keep humidity level at 30% to 45%.
• Testing Housing Materials for Moisture — University of Minnesota Extension — Concrete, drywall, wood, furniture do best when moisture is less than 10%.
• Using a Moisture Meter Before Rebuilding (Video, 8:00) North Dakota State University Extension — First dry out wood or sheetrock thoroughly. The meter measures moisture content, not mold growth.
• Delay rebuilding until structures are dry — University of Minnesota Extension — Moisture meters available from U of M Extension
• Managing Water Infiltration into Buildings — Department of Environmental Health & Safety, University of Minnesota — A checklist for water damage, and more.

Using a moisture meter before rebuilding [video] —North Dakota State University

Fungi, mold, mildew

• Molds—Your Safe Home — University of Minnesota Extension — Detect, disinfect, and prevent mold to avoid health problems.
  • El moho – su hogar seguro (Spanish)
• Mold Internet References Available to the Public — University of Minnesota Extension — Facts, Q&As, checklist, and more.
• Mold in Homes — Minnesota Department of Health — Investigate for mold; six steps to removal.
• Protect Yourself from Mold — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — Recognizing and preventing mold.
• Mold — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency — A Web course, publications, and more.
• Removing Mildew — University of Minnesota Extension — From textiles, paper, painted surfaces.
• Fungi in Buildings — Department of Environmental Health & Safety, University of Minnesota — Glossary and references.

Septic Systems

• Septic System Operation after a Flood — University of Minnesota Extension Water Resources Center — Pump the tank as soon as possible and more. (PDF, 301K)
• Preventing and Solving Sewage Treatment Problems During a Flood — Minnesota Department of Health — Stop using the system if it becomes flooded, and more.
• Cleaning your well and septic after a flood — University of Minnesota Extension — Instructional video

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For Kids

Educational information for children about floods, compiled by Extension’s Environmental Science Education Regional Educators.

Internet Resources

• Floods — FEMA for Kids — Federal Emergency Management Agency — Flood terms, games and flood math.
• Flood Information for Children — North Dakota State University Extension Service — Helping kids deal with stress, anger and disaster.
• PBS In Focus: Floods — Public Broadcasting Service — Flood stories, science, pet rescues, and more.
• Iowa kids are helping kids affected by 2008 floods — (News release) University of Iowa News Services — “Kids Helping Kids in the Flood” donations.

Curriculum and lesson plans

• Minnesota Project WET (Water Education for Teachers) K–12 — Minnesota Department of Natural Resources — Wetlands, seasons, topography, and more; the journey of a droplet in a flood.
• WeatherEye: Flash Flood! — Central Iowa Power Cooperative and KGAN-TV — Flood types, safety, quiz, and teacher’s guide.
• Flood! — Public Broadcasting Service: Nova Online — The Great Flood of 1993 and more; lesson plans.

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General Resources

Minnesota

• Flooding in Minnesota — Minnesota Department of Natural Resources — Stream flow, government sources, past and future floods, and more.
• Flood Preparedness and Response for NW Minnesota (1.9 MB PDF) University of Minnesota Extension — Families, communities, pets and more.

Flood Information

• Disaster Education – Flood Information — North Dakota State University Extension — Comprehensive links for homes, families and farms.
• Disaster Handbook — University of Wisconsin Extension Service — The complete Extension resource.
  • Disaster Handbook Flood Chapter (653K PDF, 52 pages) University of Wisconsin Extension Service
• Floods and Flooding — Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) — Multistate effort to help citizens affected by disasters.
• Extension Responds - Flood — University of Wisconsin Extension — For homes and farms: flooding, safety, archives, and more.
• Flood — Federal Emergency Management Agency — Facts, solutions, online tools.

Hazards and Cleanup

• Floods: Minimizing Pollution and Health Risks — Minnesota Pollution Control Agency — Household and industrial hazards, heating oil, drinking water, asbestos, manure, and more.
• Hazards of Flood Cleanup Work — National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health — Electricity, carbon monoxide, cold, fire, hazardous materials, and more.
• Flood Cleanup Alerts — United States Department of Labor, Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) — Health hazards, fungi, asbestos and lead poisoning.
• Flood Cleanup — Environmental Protection Agency — Publications and links on mold, bacteria and viruses (English and Spanish.)
• Floods: Protecting Your Health — Minnesota Department of Health — Simple precautions to help you avoid possible health risks during a flood.
• Disaster Quick Tips: Personal Protective Equipment — Minnesota Department of Health — Protect your skin, head, eyes, breathing, feet, and health.

Flood Awareness

• NOAA’s National Weather Service and FEMA Offer Tips for Flood Safety Awareness Week (News release) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration — Observing the fifth annual in 2009.

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