Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster in the US, affecting every state. Flash floods can develop in minutes, while river flooding may build over days.
10 steps across 1 sections
1. Steps Process
- Know your flood risk — Check FEMA flood maps at msc.fema.gov to determine if your property is in a flood zone. Contact your local planning department for historical flood data.
- Purchase flood insurance — Buy flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private insurers. Coverage takes 30 days to take effect, so do not wait until a storm is approa...
- Protect your property — Elevate electrical panels, water heaters, and appliances above potential flood levels. Install check valves in plumbing to prevent backflow. Consider a sump pump with batter...
- Prepare important documents — Store originals in a waterproof, fireproof container. Create digital copies backed up to the cloud. Keep copies of insurance policies, IDs, bank records, medical recor...
- Build an emergency supply kit — Stock water, food, medications, flashlight, batteries, NOAA weather radio, first aid kit, cash, and important documents for at least 3 days.
- Create an evacuation plan — Identify multiple routes to higher ground. Know your community's evacuation routes and shelter locations. Practice driving your evacuation routes.
- Monitor weather conditions — Flood Watch means flooding is possible; Flood Warning means flooding is imminent or occurring. Flash Flood Warning means flash flooding is imminent — take action immedi...
- When flooding threatens — Move valuables to upper floors. Disconnect electrical appliances (do not touch them if standing in water). Turn off utilities at main switches if instructed to. Fill clean...
- If ordered to evacuate — Leave immediately. Do not walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters. Follow designated evacuation routes.
- After a flood — Return only when authorities say it is safe. Avoid floodwater (may contain sewage, chemicals, and electrical hazards). Document damage with photos before cleanup. Begin drying out w...
Common Mistakes
- Not buying flood insurance
- Driving through floodwaters
- Walking through floodwaters
- Waiting too long to evacuate
- Not drying out quickly enough
Pro Tips
- Sandbags can divert floodwater from your home
- A sump pump with battery backup is one of the best investments for homes in f...
- Document your home's contents with photos and video before flood season for i...
- If flooding is imminent, fill bathtubs with clean water for drinking and sani...
- Know that just 1 inch of water in a home can cause $25,000+ in damage