Stay safe during floods: safety reminders and resources

SANTA FE, N.M., Oct. 28, 2026—Rain and a chance of thunderstorms are in the forecast, and carry a risk of flash flooding. Santa Fe County is issuing safety reminders and resources to help residents prepare. You can report flooding or impassable roads to the Regional Emergency Communications Center nonemergency line at 505-428-3710.

Prepare for the possibility of flash flooding

Consider a pre-storm walk with your neighbors to clear leaves, trash, and yard debris from curb inlets, ditches, and culverts. This helps keep water moving away from homes.

After a flood

It is important to sort debris into appropriate piles to assist with disposal and pickup. Sort debris into four separate piles: vegetation, construction, electronic/appliances, and furniture.

For help with crisis cleanup, or to volunteer to help others, you can call the Crisis Cleanup hotline at 575-446-4767 or email Lene@CrisisCleanup.org.

Dial 2-1-1 to connect with a free, confidential helpline that links you to health and human services, including food pantries, emergency shelter, physical and mental health services, and donation information (for giving or receiving).

Prepare your home and family

Know whether your home is in or near a flood prone area, arroyo, wash, or low water crossing. Consider alternate locations where you can wait for flooding to subside instead of attempting to cross a road covered in water.

Keep a stock of emergency water, food, medications, flashlights, batteries, chargers, and first aid supplies.
Protect important documents and keep evacuation routes in mind.
Keep children and pets away from floodwater, drainage channels, culverts, and arroyos.
Follow any evacuation instructions from local emergency officials.

Practice safe driving

Check conditions before driving.
Allow extra travel time and be prepared to change your route.
Never drive around barricades or ROAD CLOSED signs.
Use an alternate route when water covers the roadway.
Be extra cautious at night when flood hazards are harder to see.
If water rises around your vehicle, move to higher ground if you can do so safely.

Road closures and alerts

Pay attention to county, municipal, New Mexico Department of Transportation, law enforcement, weather, and emergency management notices.
A familiar road can become unsafe quickly during heavy rain.
Never move, ignore, or drive around a barricade.
Report flooding or impassable roads to the Regional Emergency Communications Center nonemergency line at 505-428-3710.

If you encounter a flooded roadway or area, turn around, don’t drown! Do not walk, drive, or swim through floodwater. Stay off bridges over fast-moving water. Fast-moving water can wash bridges away without warning. Make an evacuation plan and be ready to shelter in place.

Sign up for Alert Santa Fe to receive alerts when roads are closed in your area due to localized flooding or other weather emergencies. Alert Santa Fe is the County’s official emergency alert and notification system to share information with the public during emergencies.

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