Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteiTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Act on the first credible warning: leave when officials order evacuation, move uphill and away from channels, and never drive into floodwater. If an active landslide is striking the building and a safe exit is blocked, shelter on the highest floor instead of crossing the slide. Do not return until officials give an all-clear and you have checked the structure and utilities.
Take these actions in order
- Receive and verify the warning. Keep local emergency alerts enabled, monitor NOAA Weather Radio and follow reliable weather broadcasts. A flash-flood warning means flooding is reported or imminent; begin protective action immediately rather than waiting for a second message.
- Leave when directed. Follow an evacuation order as soon as it is issued. In a post-wildfire burn scar, intense rain can trigger a debris flow within minutes. If local officials advise moving during moderate or heavy rain, do so even if a formal warning has not arrived.
- Choose rising ground away from channels. Use a route that gains elevation and stays clear of creeks, washes, drainage channels, canyon bottoms, low crossings and steep slopes. Select a destination outside the threatened area, not merely the nearest bridge or low road.
- Stop driving if water reaches the road. Turn around before water covers the pavement, obey barricades and never attempt a crossing. A road can be washed out beneath apparently shallow water. If a vehicle stalls in rising water, leave it immediately and climb to higher ground.
- Respond differently to an active landslide. If you are outside and a safe route exists, leave the slide area at once. If the building is being struck and the path to the outside crosses moving earth or debris, do not try to run through it; move to the highest floor or climb onto a countertop until the movement passes.
- If you must shelter from flash flooding, go up, not out. Reach the highest safe level inside the home while continuing to monitor official instructions. Do not enter an attic that could trap you unless it has a safe way to escape onto the roof.
The National Weather Service summarizes the flood-driving rule as “NEVER drive through flooded roadways!” Its Albuquerque office uses the same principle for people on foot: “Go up, not out!”
Decide whether to evacuate or shelter
The safest choice depends on three questions: Has an authority ordered evacuation? Is there a route that remains outside the moving water or slide? Is the building already being struck by a landslide?
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minute| Situation | Action | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Officials issue an evacuation order and a safe route is open | Leave immediately using the planned route to higher ground | Routes can become impassable quickly as water or debris rises |
| Heavy rain is falling on a vulnerable burn scar and local guidance says to move | Relocate before a warning if a safe route exists | Burn-scar debris flows may start after only minutes of intense rain |
| Floodwater surrounds the home but an outside route is unsafe or cut off | Move to the highest safe level inside and monitor authorities | Leaving can expose you to channels, currents or washed-out roads |
| An active landslide is hitting the building and the exit crosses the slide | Go to the highest floor or climb onto a countertop; do not cross the slide | USGS advises against evacuating through moving material |
| You are outside the slide area and a safe path away is open | Leave the slide area immediately | Additional movement can occur without notice |
Landslides are “dangerous, very difficult to predict, and can occur rapidly,” according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Treat a change in conditions as a reason to act, not as a reason to wait for a perfect forecast.
#1 Best Overall
- NOAA Weather Scan & Alert - This emergency weather alert radio features S.A.M.E localized programming and alert you to over 60 kinds of weather hazards and emergencies. NOAA Weather Scan will automatically alert you of events.
- S.A.M.E Localized Programming - The Specific Area Message Encoding (S.A.M.E.) allows the user to enter a code that is specific to your country, state, county and in some cases partial county.
- Notification Settings - Program your radio to receive weather alerts from up to 25 different counties and be alerted only when those specific counties are threatened. Color-coded alert indicators show the alert type and its severity.
- Additional Features - SAME localized programming, continuous backlighting option which keeps the LCD on, 25 programmable counties, color-coded alert indicators, alert override automatically switches to warn of impending danger.
- Experience a comprehensive range of radios from Midland, designed to keep you connected and informed. Our radios offer an array of features, including reliable real-time weather alerts, and robust two-way communication capabilities.
How to choose a safe route
Gain elevation without entering a channel
Floodwater follows low ground. Walk or drive toward higher terrain that is outside the mapped or familiar drainage path. Do not use a creek bed, wash, canyon bottom or drainage ditch as a shortcut, even when it is dry at the time. Keep away from a slope that is shedding rocks or mud as well as from the water itself.
Do not approach bridges or crossings
A bridge can be undermined or overtopped before the approach looks dangerous. The National Weather Service states: “Never cross a bridge if you see a flow approaching.” Turn around before a crossing, and never move a barricade to continue.
Account for a route being cut off
Use a preplanned path that rises early and has a destination outside the threatened area. A route that passes through one low intersection, culvert or bridge may fail even if most of the trip is on high ground. If water begins covering the road during evacuation, stop and choose higher ground rather than trying to complete the original route.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #2
- [7400mWh (2000mAh) POWER BANK WILL KEEP DEVICES POWERED] The FosPower FOSPWB-2376 emergency radio incorporates a 7400mWh (2000mAh) power bank capable of providing emergency power to any small tablet or phone.
- [3 POWER SOURCES POWER WHEN YOU NEED IT] Use the emergency weather radio's 3 power sources when you need a boost of power or need to recharge the radio. The radio's crank lever and solar panel are both capable of regenerating enough power to keep the radio, lights, and SOS alarm ready to go when you need it most. AAA Batteries ensure you have power when not able to regenerate power.
- [2 LIGHT SOURCES ALWAYS POWERED] The emergency crank radio can also provide light. The 4 LED reading light and 1W flashlight provides enough output to keep you and your loved ones out of the dark in an emergency situation.
- [NOAA EMERGENCY WEATHER BROADCAST ACCESS] The radio will dependably receive up to the second emergency weather forecasts and emergency news broadcasts from NOAA and AM/FM stations.
- [LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY] Includes a Limited Lifetime Warranty. Please visit FosPower's website for more information.
Recognize signs of moving water, debris and earth
Warnings may arrive with little lead time, especially below a burn scar. Leave or move to your safe position when you notice any of these signs:
- Rushing water mixed with mud, rocks or branches.
- Unusual sounds, a faint rumble that grows louder, cracking trees or boulders knocking together.
- Fences, retaining walls, utility poles, boulders or trees shifting, tilting or moving.
- New cracks, bulges or other deformation in soil, pavement, roads or other surfaces.
- A sudden change in a stream’s level, or water changing from clear to muddy, which can signal an upstream slide.
Do not wait to identify the exact source of a sound or movement. Move away from the channel or slide path using the safest available route and continue listening for official instructions.
What to do if you are in a vehicle
- Check the road ahead from a safe distance. If water, mud or debris crosses it, stop and turn around.
- Never drive around barricades or through a covered roadway. The pavement may be gone underneath, and flowing water can push a vehicle off the road.
- If water begins entering or the vehicle stalls, release your seat belt, open a door if it can be opened safely, and get out immediately. Move toward higher ground; do not remain with the vehicle to protect it.
- Once on foot, stay out of the current and away from bridges, culverts and drainage channels. Call emergency services when you are in a safe location.
Do not assume a larger vehicle is safe. The National Weather Service’s warning applies to every vehicle type: “NEVER drive through flooded roadways!”
Rank #3
- NOAA Weather Scan + Alert: NOAA Weather Scan will automatically scan through 10 available weather (WX) band channels and locks onto the strongest weather channel to alert you of severe weather updates. NOAA Weather Alert will sound an alarm indicating that there is a risk of severe weather in your area. NOAA Weather Radio will also be used to broadcast AMBER alerts for missing children.
- S.A.M.E Programming: Improve your emergency preparedness with equipped with digital S.A.M.E. technology, weather radio seamlessly connects to your county's warning system, providing you with instant weather updates from the National Weather Service. Features a convenient USB output, allowing you to charge your devices directly from the radio itself. Program up to 25 counties and choose from 80 different emergency alerts, this advanced weather radio from Midland ensures that you stay informed.
- Warning System: Experience customizable alert options with the WR400 Warning System. You have the flexibility to choose how you want to be alerted, whether it's through an 85 dB siren alarm, a voice alert, or a visual LED flasher. 80 different emergency alerts to keep you informed about various critical situations. Emergency power backup functionality. By using four "AA" batteries (not included), ensure that the radio continues to operate during power outages or when you're using it outdoors.
- Features: Experience the convenience of an Alarm Clock Radio with the Midland WR400. Features a built-in clock with an alarm and a snooze button, along with an AM/FM radio. Wake up to your choice of local weather updates, AM/FM radio stations, or a traditional buzzing alarm. Automatically switches from AM/FM mode to relevant all-hazard alerts, and you'll receive important emergency alerts without having to manually switch modes. Stay informed and start your day off right.
- Alarm Clock: The built-in clock features an alarm with a snooze button and a AM/FM Radio. Wake up to local weather, AM/FM, or buzz. It automatically switches from AM/FM to pertinent all-hazard alerts.
If a landslide hits or threatens the house
When the building is not being struck
If you can leave without crossing moving earth, exit the slide path and travel away from the slope. Warn household members, neighbors and responders about visible movement, but do not approach the slide to investigate or help someone from an unstable area.
When the building is being struck
USGS guidance changes when the structure is already under impact and the outside route is blocked. Do not run through the slide. Move to the highest floor available; if you cannot reach it, climb onto a sturdy countertop or other elevated surface. Stay away from windows and exterior walls where possible, protect your head from falling objects and keep monitoring emergency communications.
After the movement stops
Remain in a protected position until officials or trained responders say the area is safe. A quiet period does not prove the slope is stable; additional slides can follow the first one.
Rank #4
- PRETTY PORTABLE - The noaa radio is as portable as an iPhone, its compact size makes it easy to store in your emergency kit and backpack without taking up much space, and you can easily hold it with just one hand. Comes with a handy lanyard, it's convenient for you to listen.Dimensions: 4.7 x 2.8 x 1.2in, Weight: 0.24lb (exclude battery).
- A ESSENTIAL TO EMERGENCY KIT - This battery radio emergency is about weather news. Weather Band: 162.40-162.55kHz (include 7 NOAA),FM: 87-108 MHz, AM:520-1710 kHz Covering 7 NOAA weather bands, it delivers timely updates on upcoming severe weather conditions like storms, hurricanes and tornadoes, even when power fails or there is no internet available. So you'll get valuable time to stay prepared for emergencies. Note: Not support automatic notification for NOAA alerts.
- BATTERY POWERED RADIO - Runs on just 2 AA batteries, this noaa emergency weather radio ensures continuous operation during power outages, as long as you keep some spare AA batteries at home. When you’re out and about, toss some AA batteries in your bag, and save the hassle of searching for a power outlet. It’s your reliable companion for staying informed and safe.
- SIMPLE OPERATION - It’s a storm radio. Only 3 controls - one for power and volume, one for tuning and one for band selection - tuning in to your favorite station is a breeze. No headaches from the confusing digital screen and buttons; just get relaxed with this weather radio battery powered.
- 2 PLAYBACK MODES - This portable weather radio is equipped with an internal magnetic speaker with 2 sound holes in the front and back, providing a crisp, balanced and stereo sound experience. Plus, if you're in the mood for a little 'me time', simply plug in your headphones for undisturbed enjoyment of music, news, or talk shows.
Prepare before a storm or wildfire threat
Map your exposure and destination
Determine whether your home is below a steep slope, beside a creek or wash, near a drainage channel, or downstream from a post-wildfire burn scar. Identify the fastest route that gains elevation and a destination outside the threatened area. Practice the route in daylight and identify an alternative in case the first road is blocked.
Set up alerts and a household plan
- Sign up for county or local emergency alerts and keep phone notifications enabled.
- Keep a battery-powered radio or NOAA Weather Radio available in case cellular service or electricity fails.
- Write down who collects children, older adults, people with disabilities and pets, and where everyone reunites.
- Include a plan for anyone who cannot use stairs or travel quickly.
Assemble supplies for at least three days
Store food, water and necessary medicines for a minimum of three days, along with a flashlight, first-aid supplies and spare batteries. Keep important papers in a secure, waterproof place; a waterproof document pouch can protect identification, insurance records and medical information. These supplies support evacuation and communication, but they cannot stop a debris flow or replace leaving when officials direct you to go.
Use barriers only when time allows
Sandbags and other temporary barriers may help with some shallow, slow-arriving water when there is sufficient preparation time. They cannot stop a debris flow and should never delay evacuation. Do not stay behind a barrier to defend the home once officials order departure.
Best Value
- AUTOMATIC NOAA WEATHER ALERT RADIO - This weather alert radio may save your life! Especially important at night while you are sleeping! It auto-scans for emergency and weather alerts when you turn the device on or in standby mode，and alert you if any emergency warning is issued. No need to listen to the weather broadcast all day and night. Getting an NOAA alert about impending weather threats gives you a heads-up that bad weather is on the way, so you can prepare or even evacuate if necessary.
- LARGE HD LCD DISPLAY - A must weather radio with a large HD LCD display screen and digital tuning, you can see the battery level and current tuning frequency, which can provide reliable AM/FM/SW/WB reception, and accurately pick your favorite channel. Press on "Tune+" or "Tune-" to auto-scan and easily find your favorite show. Long press on the "Dimmer" button to turn off the backlit LCD screen and enter the power-saving mode.
- 6-WAY CHARGING OPTIONS - An NOAA Weather radio with multiple charging backup options is the ideal choice. 6-way charging options including a built-in rechargable backup battery, an AC adapter, DC 5V USB input,hand-crank, solar panel, and 3 AAA batteries(not included in packing), which is more powerful and reliable, which can provide instant, automatic, around-the-clock messages regarding weather alerts.
- EMERGENCY RADIO & SOS ALARM - When hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, flooding, or other emergencies may occur, an NOAA alert radio can provide life-saving information. A built-in super-bright 3W flashlight and 2.5W reading lamp are critical if the power outage. It also includes a USB connector used to charge your USB-enabled smart devices for communication. Simply press the SOS button that activated a loud alert partnered with an eye-catching flashing red light for emergency assistance.
- PORTABLE RADIO & HEADPHONE JACK - This portable radio is small, light, and IPX3 water-resistant, only 1.2LB, measures: 6.8×3.7×2.9 inches, which is easier to carry with you anywhere. Includes a 3.5 mm headphone jack, allowing you to listen to the weather broadcast at night without disturbing your travel buddies. Weather alerts are beneficial during outdoor adventures like fishing, camping, and hiking, can keep you well-prepared for severe weather and stay safe.
Actions after the flood, slide or debris flow
Wait for an official all-clear
Stay away from the slide or debris-flow area because additional movement may occur. Return home only after officials declare the area safe, even if the water has receded or neighbors have gone back.
Check from outside before entering
Look for downed or damaged power lines, the smell of gas, hissing sounds, foundation cracks, shifted walls, collapsed portions, broken stairs and other structural damage. If you smell gas or hear hissing, leave immediately and call the fire department from a safe location. Never step into puddles near downed lines.
Assume floodwater is contaminated
Do not use questionable water for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth or washing. Follow local public-health instructions about tap-water advisories, cleanup and disposal of food or medicines touched by floodwater.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Protect children and pets
Keep children and pets away from standing or moving water, unstable slopes, damaged buildings and debris piles. Hidden holes, sharp objects, contaminated water and live electrical equipment can remain hazardous after the visible flow is gone.
Quick Recap
Common mistakes that increase danger
- Waiting for a personal confirmation: A flash-flood warning already means flooding is reported or imminent. Act on the alert.
- Choosing the familiar low route: Familiar roads often follow channels and bridges that flood first. Use the route that gains elevation.
- Driving around a barricade: The barrier marks a hazard you cannot reliably judge from the driver’s seat.
- Trying to outrun an active slide: If the building is being struck and the exit crosses moving material, shelter high inside instead.
- Returning to inspect damage: Wait for the all-clear and check utilities and structural stability before entry.
- Relying on gear instead of decisions: Radios, kits and document pouches support warning and recovery; none can make a channel, slope or debris flow safe.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
