Flooding is one of the most frequent hazards that impacts Monmouth County and can occur at any time of the year. In fact, many coastal areas experience tidal flooding on a monthly basis.

Flood damage is not usually covered by homeowners insurance. Do not make assumptions. Check your policy.

The National Flood Insurance Program, is a pre-disaster flood mitigation and insurance protection program. The National Flood Insurance Program makes federally backed flood insurance available to residents and business owners National Flood Insurance Program call 1-888-CALL-FLOOD ext. 445, TDD# 1-800-427-5593.

There are different reasons a community may flood; storm surge, river flooding, tidal or heavy rainfall. Low-lying or poorly drained areas can also increase a community’s flood risk. To protect yourself, learn what flood threats affect your community.

  • Determine if live near rivers, creeks or lakes that flood frequently.
  • Is your home located in a low-lying area?
  • Determine your home’s elevation. This can be done by obtaining an elevation certificate from a land surveyor or engineer.

Before the flood reaches your area:

  • Know your risk: Is your home business or school in a floodplain?
  • Know if floodwaters might affect your home and property. Know your elevation above flood stage.
  • Develop a flood emergency action plan.
  • Sign up for emergency notifications:
  • Evacuate immediately, if advised to do so. Bring important documents with you.
  • Move to a safe area before egress or ingress is cutoff by floodwaters.
  • Keep abreast of road conditions through the news media.

During the flood:

  • Stay informed. Tune to local news and subscribe to your municipal emergency notification system and download, the Monmouth County Emergency management smartphone app.
  • Turn around, Don’t Drown: Never drive through flooded roadways. Nearly half of all people killed in floods are those who try driving through flooded areas.
  • Avoid areas subject to flooding. Do not attempt to cross flowing water.
  • Do not drive around barricades or other road closure devices. They are there for your protection.
  • If your vehicle stalls, leave it immediately.
  • Never try to walk through or allow children to play around floodwater. Water can be flowing quickly and may contain debris and disease causing bacteria. 
  • Evacuate immediately, if advised to do so. Bring important documents with you.

After the flood:

  • Stay informed
  • Do not visit disaster areas, your presence may hamper emergency operations. Wait for the All Clear from emergency officials.
  • Throw out food that has come into contact with the floodwater and boil drinking water before using it.
  • Stay out of buildings that remain or have been affected by floodwaters.
  • Do not handle live electrical equipment in wet areas.
  • If the power is out, use flashlights to examine buildings. Flammables may be inside.
  • Report broken utilities to the correct authorities.