Help
Short answers for first-time reporters. If you are in danger, call 911 — FloodLine is not for emergencies.
Frequently asked questions
Is this even worth reporting?
Yes, if water, a blocked drain, road damage, or another infrastructure problem is affecting a street, sidewalk, or property. You do not need to be an expert — a clear location and short description are enough for staff to decide what to do next.
What counts as an infrastructure issue?
Standing water in the street, clogged catch basins, broken sidewalks or roads, building damage tied to flooding or drainage, and similar city-infrastructure problems. If someone is hurt, trapped, or in immediate danger — or if wires are down and sparking — call 911 instead.
What do I write in the description?
Say what you see, where it is, how deep or big it looks, and how long it has been like that. Example: “Water covering both lanes, about ankle deep, at Broad & Bienville. Been like this since it rained yesterday.” More tips are in What makes a good report below.
Do I have to give my phone number?
No. Phone number is optional. You can submit a full report without one. Add a number only if you want text updates when the status changes.
Can my school, parents, or the city see who reported this?
City staff who handle reports can see the report details (location, description, photo). Your phone number — if you give one — is encrypted and used for status updates, not shared as a public contact. FloodLine does not publish your name on a public leaderboard. Schools and parents are not notified unless you tell them.
What happens to my photo?
Photos help crews see the problem. They are stored securely and shared with staff working the report. Avoid photos of people’s faces or private spaces when you can — focus on the water, drain, or damage.
Someone already reported this. Should I still?
Yes, if you are unsure it was reported, or if conditions got worse. Extra reports with a fresh photo or updated depth can help staff prioritize. If you have the existing report number, you can also check its status first.
I reported it two weeks ago and nothing happened — did it work?
Use your report number (it looks like FL-2026-F38184) on the
status page
to see where it stands. Some issues take longer than others. If you opted in to
texts, you should get updates when the status changes.
How do I find my report number again?
It appears on the confirmation screen after you submit, and in any status-update texts if you opted in. Save a screenshot or write it down. You can look up status anytime at /status .
How do I stop the text messages?
Reply STOP to any FloodLine text. Reply HELP for assistance. Message and data rates may apply.
What makes a good report
Strong reports give depth, extent, location, and how long it has lasted — and photos close enough that a crew can spot the drain or damage.
Description
| Weak | Strong | Why |
|---|---|---|
| “it's flooded” | “Water covering both lanes, about ankle deep, at Broad & Bienville. Been like this since it rained yesterday.” | Depth, extent, location, duration |
| “fix this” | “Catch basin on the corner is full of leaves and not draining” | Names the thing that's broken |
Photos
Get close enough to see the grate or damage, and include a curb, pole, or street edge for scale. Far-away puddle shots are hard for crews to use.
Weak
Taken from far away. The puddle is a speck — crews cannot identify the drain.
Strong
Close enough to see the grate, water line, and debris. A curb gives scale.