Heavy rain is our new normal
On October 30, 2025, a flash flood in New York City claimed two lives and damaged homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure across several neighborhoods. The storm reminded us that extreme rainfall is becoming more frequent and that everyone has a part to play in keeping our city safe.
Rainproof NYC is a citywide movement to prevent loss of life, protect homes and businesses, and strengthen communities against the impacts of heavy rain.
Your Role in the Rainproof Movement: Whether you have a backyard, a church basement, a storefront, or a community space on Queens Boulevard, you can make a difference:
- Clear the nearest storm drain after heavy rain to prevent street flooding.
- Host a “knowledge share” with your block association on flood preparedness.
- Volunteer with a local community garden to install rain gardens or permeable pavers.
- Create a flood-response plan if you have a business, back up data, and assign staff roles.
- Join the Rainproof Network to receive training opportunities, funding alerts, and community events.
Together, we can reduce flood risk. When one block is prepared, the whole neighborhood becomes stronger.
This action guide has been compiled by resources with the Rainproof NYC “Everyone Has A Role to Play” Working Group.
For urgent emergencies, call 311 or follow official alerts via Notify NYC.
If you notice a resource needs updating or a broken link, please email info@rebuildbydesign.org
Dealing with Flood Damage Right Now?
If you or someone you know was impacted by the October 30th flooding, The City Sponge, in collaboration with Rainproof NYC, has compiled comprehensive post-flood recovery NYC resources in one place. The guide covers insurance claims, mold prevention, debris removal, tenant rights, small business support, and mental health resources.
While the list below focuses on long-term flood preparedness and community action, The City Sponge guide addresses immediate recovery needs after a flood has already happened.
Everyone Has a Role: Rainproof NYC Action Guide
BEFORE A STORM
Understand your risk
FloodHelp NY – Check your home or business’s flood exposure, learn about flood insurance, and explore adaptation options.
NYC Hazard Mitigation Plan – City strategy to assess risks and guide flood preparedness planning.
RiskFactor – Enter your address to see flood, heat, wind, or wildfire risk scores.
NYC Flood Hazard Mapper – View local flood zones and sea-level rise projections.
Rainfall Ready NYC Toolkit – A homeowner’s guide to preparing for extreme rainfall, from sump pumps to flood alarms.
Get Alerts And Plan Ahead
Notify NYC – Sign up for citywide emergency notifications by text, email, or app.
311 – Report flooding, blocked drains, or unsafe conditions.
Ready New York – Learn with NYCEM about local hazards and make an emergency plan for your household.
Ready.gov Floods – Federal resource for what to do before, during, and after a flood.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) – Provides affordable flood insurance and promotes safer floodplain management.
Protect Your Block
Love Your Block – Grants up to $1,000 for neighborhood groups improving their street, cleaning storm drains, and beautifying public space.
Harbor Protectors – Join DEP’s volunteer program to reduce litter and pollution in local waterways.
Adopt a Basket – Partner with DSNY to keep trash baskets clear and reduce drain blockages.
DURING A STORM
When water starts rising, stay informed and prioritize safety.
Avoid basement spaces. Move valuables, electronics, and power cords above flood level.
Notify NYC – Receive real-time emergency alerts and evacuation notices through text, email, or app.
311 – Report blocked drains, flooded intersections, or other storm impacts in your area.
MyCoast – Safely document flooding by uploading photos and descriptions that support local preparedness.
Community Flood Watch – Share on-the-ground flood observations that help researchers and city agencies track flooding.
FloodNet NYC – View real-time sensor data on flood depth and duration across the city.
NYC Know Your Zone – Identify your hurricane evacuation zone and locate the nearest safe route.
AFTER A STORM
Recovery and rebuilding takes coordination, patience, and resources.
Financial Assistance
FEMA Individual Assistance – Apply for help covering uninsured losses.
FEMA Public Assistance / Hazard Mitigation – For local governments and nonprofits rebuilding after declared disasters.
Flood Mitigation Assistance Grant Program – Funding for local mitigation projects that reduce future risk.
Red Cross Disaster Relief – Emergency financial and shelter support.
Community Recovery & Resilience
Be a Buddy Social Resilience Program – A DOHMH program connecting volunteers with vulnerable residents for wellness checks after disasters.
We ACT for Environmental Justice – Policy advocacy and community health initiatives for Northern Manhattan.
New York Restoration Project – Citywide nonprofit restoring community gardens and green space.
LEARN, VOLUNTEER, & STAY ENGAGED
Education and engagement build long-term community capacity.
Trainings and Events
NYS Citizen Preparedness Corps – Free workshops giving residents tools and knowledge to prepare for disasters.
NYC Community Preparedness Workshops – Flood-preparedness and mapping trainings for community groups.
NYDIS Flood Preparedness Workshops – For faith communities and neighborhood leaders.
American Red Cross Emergency Response Training – Courses for adults and youth on disaster readiness.
Community Stewardship & Education
Blue Water Task Force – Volunteer water testing program tracking coastal pollution and improving beach water quality.
Climate Fresk – Interactive workshop using IPCC data to teach climate systems and collective solutions.
Climate Week NYC – Annual citywide event advancing climate action through talks, art, and collaboration.
Columbia Neighbors – Connects Harlem residents with grants, mentorship, and local sustainability programs.
Climate Resilience Literacy Handbook – Explains climate risks, justice, and adaptation for educators and communities.
Grow NYC – Green infrastructure toolkit and hands-on garden programs.
NYC Parks GreenThumb – Resources and events for community gardeners.
Greenest Block in Brooklyn – Annual competition promoting resilient landscaping and block unity.
Making Brooklyn Bloom – Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s yearly gathering of greening organizations and residents.
EXPLORE RESEARCH & INNOVATION
NYC is home to researchers developing new data, models, and solutions.
Urban Systems Lab (The New School) – Stormwater resilience and flood-risk modeling across NYC.
Stevens Flood Advisory System – Forecasts and maps real-time coastal and riverine flooding.
Hudson River Foundation Monitoring Plan – Tracking environmental health and flood resilience across the estuary.
Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies – Urban ecology research and public talks on green infrastructure and climate adaptation.
Staten Island Greenbelt Conservancy – Conservation, education, and volunteer programs protecting Staten Island’s Greenbelt.
At What Point Managed Retreat? – Conference exploring equitable climate migration and adaptation strategies.
St. John’s University Simulation Lab – Trains students using virtual flood and disaster simulations for emergency response.
Newtown Creek Visitor Center – Educational hub showcasing NYC’s wastewater and stormwater management infrastructure.
Riverkeeper – Protects the Hudson River and NYC’s drinking water through science, advocacy, and community action.
The Climate Museum – Public programs and exhibitions linking climate science, art, and justice.
JOIN THE RAINPROOF MOVEMENT
We each have a role to play in Rainproof.
- Stay updated on new pilot projects, events, and funding opportunities.
- Collaborate with the Rainproof NYC Network.
- Join a Rainproof Event.
- Learn from other cities in our Rainproof Series.
- Participate in or Pilot Rainproof NYC Projects.
- Share Rainproof Resources & Expertise.