Flood Preparedness Basics: Protecting Your Home Before Waters Rise

Floods are fast, destructive, and often give little warning. Once water starts rising, your options shrink quickly. Preparing ahead of time makes the difference between minor cleanup and catastrophic loss. This guide gives you the essential steps homeowners should take before, during, and after flood threats.

For evacuation packing order, check Evacuation Loading Priorities.

1. Know Your Flood Risk Level

Before preparing, figure out your home’s actual risk. Look up:

• FEMA flood maps
• Local flood zones and drainage patterns
• Nearby rivers, washes, or retention basins
• History of neighborhood flooding

Even “low-risk” areas can flood under heavy rainfall or drainage failures.

2. Improve Your Home’s Drainage

Poor drainage turns moderate rain into serious flooding. Fix these:

• Clear gutters and downspouts
• Ensure downspouts extend well away from the foundation
• Check yard grading—water should slope away from the home
• Clear debris from street drains near your property

3. Sandbag the Right Way

Sandbags only work if they’re placed correctly:

• Lay bags flat and parallel to the direction of water flow
• Build a tight, staggered wall—like brickwork
• Keep the wall only 1–2 bags tall unless professionally reinforced
• Seal gaps with plastic sheeting behind the bags

Focus on entry points: doors, garages, low windows, and foundation vents.

4. Protect Indoor Belongings Before Water Enters

• Move valuables to high shelves
• Unplug electronics
• Store documents in waterproof containers
• Roll up rugs and move furniture if possible

Your time is limited—focus on high-value and irreplaceable items.

5. Prepare Your Vehicle

If flooding is possible:

• Move your car to higher ground before roads close
• Keep the tank at least half full at all times
• Avoid parking near washes, drainage channels, or low spots

If you’re building your vehicle kit, read Car Emergency Kit Basics.

6. Never Drive Through Flood Water

This is the most common flood mistake and kills hundreds each year. Remember:

• 6 inches of water can stall a car
• 12 inches can sweep a small vehicle away
• Flood water hides road damage and debris

“Turn around, don’t drown” isn’t a slogan—it’s survival advice.

7. Prepare for Power Loss and Contamination

Floods often take out:

• Power lines
• Water treatment facilities
• Sewage systems

Store clean drinking water and have a way to purify new water using Emergency Water Filtration Basics.

8. Evacuate Early if Ordered

Don’t wait until water surrounds your home. Leave when:

• Authorities issue evacuation orders
• You see rising water approaching the street
• Your escape routes are still open

Flood waters rise fast—minutes matter.

9. After the Flood: What Not to Do

Once water recedes:

• Do NOT enter the home until authorities say it’s safe
• Do NOT touch electrical panels or flooded electronics
• Do NOT assume tap water is safe
• Do NOT remove drywall unless wearing proper safety gear

Flooded homes hide structural and contamination hazards.

10. Bottom Line

Floods are unpredictable but survivable with preparation. Improve drainage, sandbag correctly, protect valuables, and leave early if waters rise. Small steps ahead of time prevent massive losses later.