Austin, Texas – Flood Safety Awareness Week in Austin will be observed April 21-26, 2025. Austin sits in the heart of Flash Flood Alley, making it vulnerable to rapidly changing weather and flash floods. As of August 2023, there are 5,660 active National Flood Insurance Program policies in the City of Austin, covering $1.47 billion in property. In just the last ten years, 930 claims have been paid, totaling more than $42.3 million in damages. It’s not if a flood will happen in Austin – it's when. Now is the time to educate yourself on how to prepare for potential heavy rains.

“Flooding can happen fast, but being prepared can protect your family and home. This Flood Safety Awareness Week, we encourage all Austinites to sign up for alerts, make a plan, and consider flood insurance,” said Jorge Morales, Director of Watershed Protection. “Taking these steps today can make a big difference when the next storm hits.” 

Visit ATXFloodSafety.com to learn about important safety tips:

• Check to see if you live or work in a floodplain.

• Sign up for emergency alerts at WarnCentralTexas.org

• Create a safety plan for your family and assemble an emergency kit

• Learn about flood insurance: Most flood insurance policies in Austin are now available at up to a 25% discount.

• Turn Around, Don’t Drown®: Find an alternate route if water is flowing over a road.

The Austin City Council will proclaim April 21-26, 2025, as Flood Safety Awareness Week during their meeting on April 24, 2025. The recognition highlights the importance of knowing your risk of flooding to be better prepared before, during, and after heavy rain occurs.

We will conclude Flood Safety Awareness Week with Flood Safety Fest on Saturday, April 26, from 12:00-3:00 p.m. at L.L. Campbell Elementary School, 2613 Rogers Avenue. The community is invited to this fun, educational event, which will offer important safety tips and giveaways from several City departments and activities for all ages. We will recognize the winners of the 2025 Flood Safety Video contest at 1:00 p.m. The winning videos, to be shown at the event, showcase their creative efforts to raise awareness about the lifesaving message “Turn Around Don’t Drown®.”

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About Watershed Protection

The City of Austin Watershed Protection Department protects lives, property, and the environment of our community by reducing the impact of flooding, erosion, and water pollution. Visit AustinTexas.gov/Watershed to learn more.