Legal Services of North Dakota
Apply for Assistance
Which areas are most at risk?

Larger cities are more at risk for flash floods, those occurring from heavy rainfall. This is because buildings, highways, driveways, and parking lots increase runoff by reducing the amount of rain absorbed by the ground. This runoff increases the potential for a flash flood. In North Dakota, this includes cities such as Grand Forks, Fargo, Bismarck, and Minot. Other forms of flooding are more likely to occur near bodies of water, especially those with dams or levees. In North Dakota, this includes areas such as Devils Lake, Grand Forks, Fargo, Watford City, Minot, Valley City, Williston, Mandan, Wahpeton, Jamestown, and others. Use FEMA’s flood map to determine the flood risk in your area.

Flood

A flood is defined as an overflow of water onto normally dry land. A flood is caused by rising water in an existing waterway, such as a river, stream, or drainage ditch; by sudden heavy rainfall; or by quickly melting large piles of snow.

When flooding hits, it can be fast and overwhelming. Rising waters damage homes, roads, and farmland, leaving families scrambling to stay safe and dry. For farmers, crops and soil can be washed away in an instant. The emotional and financial burden can be immense, especially if you’re unsure where to turn or if your insurance doesn’t cover flood damage.

Be Prepared

Know Your Surroundings:
  • In addition to knowing your community’s resources for disaster response, you should be aware of any safe locations the community has designated for shelter in case you’re not home when a disaster hits. Some communities may concentrate their resources around community-based buildings such as churches, or safety may best be sought in durable brick or concrete buildings that can withstand high levels of water and wind. Take time to view our county resources tab and locate the resources available in your community. 
  • It’s also important to identify a route from your house, through your neighborhood, to a safer location within your community or in another community. Take time to view a map of your neighborhood and determine where the streets near your home lead to. 
  • Do you know if your community has a significant body of water such as a lake or river? Determine how far your home is from that body of water and if you’re in a flood zone. 
  • Your community may also have a dam or levee if there is a body of water nearby. This dam or levee is meant to protect from flooding but if it’s not properly maintained, it may leak or burst. Determine how far your home is from the dam or levee and ask the county or city government for maintenance information if necessary.
Assess Your Home's Risk:
  • Contact your home or renter’s insurer and add flood insurance to your policy. Flooding of any kind (including pipe bursts or plumbing failures) are automatically excluded from your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance and must be added to your policy for an additional cost. Click Here for More Information.
  • Use the FEMA flood map to determine if your home is in a flood zone: Click Here for More Information.
  • Keep a flood kit on the highest story of your home including a battery powered radio, battery powered phone chargers, thick rubber gloves, snacks, and drinking water. 
  • Unplug all appliances and electronics and shut off utilities, if possible, to avoid electrocution. 
  • Install a sump pump if you don’t already have one. Ensure it’s working properly by regularly maintaining it and promptly fixing any issues that arise.
  • Talk with a local plumber and electrician about how to prevent flooding and electrical shocks during floods. 
Make a Plan:
  • Always evacuate if you have the option. Make a plan with someone who lives outside your community who can provide shelter to you, or find other temporary shelter outside your community, in case a flood occurs. 
  • Plan an evacuation route within your home (to higher ground if you can’t evacuate) and within your community (if you can evacuate). 
  • If you are unable to evacuate, do not attempt to walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. Find a safe dry place (the top of your car if on the road, the top floor of a building, or the roof if necessary) and stay there until rescuers respond. 
  • Keep important legal documents in a waterproof safe so they can survive a flood. 
  • Keep valuable property such as antiques and family heirlooms in waterproof storage so they can survive a flood. 
  • Create a disaster kit that can be moved quickly if evacuation is necessary. 
  • Ensure everyone in your family or household is aware of the disaster plan.

Local Resource Search

If you have specific needs and are searching for local resources for assistance, please visit our Disaster Services Resource Page.

Additional Resources

Resources by County

Get help after a disaster.

Disaster Kit

Grab a disaster kit to be prepared.

Become a Volunteer

Opportunities and training available.

Additional Resources

Visit Legal Aid Disaster Center (LADRC)