Safety and Recreation in Flooded Areas
We cannot stress this enough—floods are dangerous and they can happen quickly. Just six inches of fast-flowing water can knock a person over and one foot of moving water can sweep a vehicle away.
- There are many places across the state that are experiencing high levels of water and dangerous conditions, including turbulent currents and significant amounts of debris. Our most important mission right now is to preserve the life and safety of Montanans and our visitors.
- In light of the severe flooding happening across the state, we are asking folks not to recreate in the rivers that have the potential to flood, including swimming, kayaking, rafting, boating. Always listen to local directives from public safety officials and be aware of changing conditions when recreating near a river or flood area.
- Play in the pool, not the rivers! Stay out of flood waters or rivers with high amounts of water. The high levels of water are dangerous and debris can cause significant injury.
- If you have plans to recreate in a river or in a flood zone, consider other recreational opportunities in your area, like hiking or visiting your local downtown. Montana has a lot of outdoor opportunities to offer our citizens and visitors and it’s important we respect the areas that are a safety concern right now.
- Montana is still open for business and we need to do all we can to support our local communities and economies. Don’t shy away from visiting different areas of Montana, just do so safely.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Restrictions and Closures
This is your one stop for all restrictions, closures, and reopenings of FWP managed lands and waterbodies that may be affected by floods, fire, drought or major maintenance activities.
IRS Tax Relief for Storm Victims
Victims of severe storms and flooding in parts of Montana now have until October 17, 2022, to file various IRS individual and business tax returns and make tax payments.
SBA Disaster Loan Assistance
- Low-interest Federal Disaster Loans Now Available to Montana Businesses and Residents
- SBA Opens Business Recovery Center in Livingston to Help Businesses Impacted by Severe Storm and Flooding
- Three Steps for Disaster Assistance Loans
- U.S. Small Business Administration Fact Sheet - Disaster Loans, Montana Declarations
- SBA Amends Disaster Declaration for Montana: Disaster Assistance Now Available to Private Nonprofit Organizations in Three Additional Counties
Disaster Assistance Loans:
Disaster Unemployment Assistance Available to Montanans Affected by Flooding
To stay up-to-date, visit the Montana Department of Labor & Industry's website and follow its Facebook page.
How to Assist Those Affected by Flooding
Many individuals and organizations are wanting to donate to assist with the severe flooding that has occurred in Montana. Visit the Montana Disaster and Emergency Services website for resources on how donations may be made.
The American Red Cross
The Red Cross Recovery Team will remain in the area to work on case management and assessments. Call the Red Cross at 1-800-272-6668 if you need assistance.
American Red Cross financial assistance is available to help with flood recovery. Application deadline is Friday, July 29, 2020. Please call 800-ARC-MONT or 800-272-6668 with questions.
Park County Flood Recovery
Flood Insurance Information/Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance
Commissioner Downing recommends that any person who has sustained property damage to immediately contact his or her agent to identify whether they have flood insurance coverage. Property owners who have flood insurance should promptly begin the process to file a claim.
Montana Severe Storm and Flooding DR-4655-MT
Check FEMA's website often for up-to-date information; it is updated hourly.
Resources for Farmers and Ranchers
USDA offers a variety of programs to help farmers, ranchers, communities, and businesses that have been hard hit by natural disaster events.
DEQ Provides Support and Resources for Montanans Who Are Affected by Flooding
DEQ resources include public water & wastewater system support, a flood guide and checklists related to underground storage tanks, emergency guidance related to asbestos-containing materials, information on protecting wells before a flood, information on disinfecting water supplies after a flood, and information on managing septic systems after a flood.
The Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation
The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation has created a chart of grant program funds for water, wastewater, and conservation flood relief.
JustServe Community Assistance
We are working to connect volunteers with relief efforts for disasters occurring in the Billings/Red Lodge/Columbus/Fromberg and Bozeman/Yellowstone regions of Montana.
The JustServe website allows groups, individuals or organizations to post needs as long as they follow rules and guidelines.
Free Legal Help Available for Low-Income Montana Flooding Survivors
In the wake of the recent flooding disasters in Montana, the State Bar of Montana, the ABA's Young Lawyers Division, Montana Legal Services Association, and FEMA have partnered to provide legal assistance to low-income disaster survivors.
