The last 12 months have been rough for extreme weather, hurricanes, floods, and storms in the United States. Hurricane Helene severely impacted my own family, childhood home, and hometown, and this week, hearing the stories from the Central Texas floods has me feeling PTSD. Of course, it makes me wonder how the tools I use every day could help me if I were impacted by events like this in the future
How Google Maps Can Help During A Flood
When floodwaters rise, knowing where to go and how to help can be a lifesaver. While Google Maps is usually your guide for daily commutes, it becomes an invaluable tool during a flood emergency. Here’s how to harness its power to stay safe, assist others, and even prepare for the worst.
Get to Safety: Real-Time Flood Information
During a flood, roads can become impassable or even dangerous. Google Maps offers critical features to help you navigate to safety. Look for “Crisis-related alerts” which provide updates and safety information directly on the map. These alerts can highlight flooded areas, road closures, and even suggest alternative routes.
Google Maps shows alerts for these natural disasters:
Earthquakes
Floods
Hurricanes or typhoons
Tropical storms
Wildfires
Google Maps also offers “SOS Alerts” that bring together authoritative information from local authorities and emergency services, including evacuation orders and emergency contact numbers. Keep an eye out for these visual alerts, as they can quickly show you impacted areas and help you avoid treacherous paths.
Help Others: Community Reporting and Sharing
Google Maps isn’t just about your own safety; it’s a community tool. You can contribute to real-time information by reporting flooded roads or other weather-related incidents. This helps other drivers and pedestrians avoid hazardous areas. The “Traffic Layer” can also give you clues about congestion due to flooding, allowing you to anticipate problem spots. Moreover, Google Maps allows you to easily share your live location with friends and family, providing peace of mind during a stressful situation. This feature can be vital for rescue efforts and ensuring loved ones know you’re safe.
Plan for the Worst: Preparation and Awareness
Even before a flood hits, Google Maps can be a valuable resource for preparedness. While it may not directly show real-time flood data as a standard feature, you can use it in conjunction with official sources like FEMA flood maps (which can sometimes be overlaid on Google Earth). Understanding your area’s flood risk can help you plan evacuation routes in advance. Google is also continually improving its flood forecasting capabilities, with features like “Flood Hub” and “Flood Forecasting” that provide advanced warnings of potential flooding. Staying informed through these tools and having a plan, which includes using Google Maps as your navigation during an emergency, can make all the difference.
Have you used these crisis alert features or travelled around in the midst of a disaster while using Maps? Share your experiences 
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