Flooding

Understand your flood risk

Climate and topography make flooding a reality in New Orleans. And certain parts of the city are more likely to flood. Learn about your flood risk with our interactive tool: 

Ready for Rain

Additional flood risk information can be found at:

• FEMA Flood Map Service Center
• LSU Ag Center’s Louisiana Flood Map Tool

Insure your property

Floods are the most common and costly natural disaster, so it’s important to have the right coverage. Homeowners and renters insurance usually don’t cover flood damage. Flood insurance takes 30 days to take effect, so now’s the time to buy. 

• Protect your home or business with flood insurance. Call 1-800-427-4661 to find an agent.
• Are you a renter? Protect your belongings with contents coverage.

Clean your property and street

• Remove debris from gutters and downspouts.
• Clear debris from catch basins. Report clogged catch basins to 311. Check out our adopt-a-catch-basin app!
• Prune trees and shrubs.
• Bring outdoor furniture and decorations inside.
• Secure or bring garbage bins inside.
• Move possessions to your highest floor.
• Photograph your property for insurance purposes.

Avoid flood waters

• Move to higher ground.
• Don’t walk or drive through flood waters. 
• If water rises around your car, abandon the car immediately.

Report flooding

• Call 911 to report street flooding and life-threatening emergencies.
• View reports of street flooding at streetwise.nola.gov

Avoid contact with electricity

• Don’t touch electrical equipment. Every source of electricity can be dangerous during or after a flood.

Move vehicles to higher ground

During major street flooding, the City of New Orleans may suspend parking restrictions on neutral grounds and sidewalks to allow residents to move vehicles to higher ground. Unless otherwise communicated, parking restrictions will go back into effect two hours after flooding has ended.

• Don't block intersections or streetcar tracks.
• Don't park on top of tree roots or under branches, for your safety and the safety of our trees.
• When moving your car from the neutral ground, drive slowly so you don't make tracks in the ground.