How to Prepare for a Flood: Emergency Planning and Evacuation Tips
- FloodPrice
- Dec 20, 2021
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 22
Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States, and they can happen almost anywhere, not just in high-risk areas. According to FEMA, just one inch of water inside your home can cause thousands of dollars in damage.
If your community is prone to heavy rain, hurricanes, or storm surges, taking steps to prepare before a flood happens can make all the difference in keeping your family safe and minimizing loss.
This guide covers how to check your flood risk, create a family evacuation plan, and better prepare your home before the next storm.
Understanding Your Flood Risk
Even if you don’t live near a river or the coast, flooding can happen because of heavy rain, poor drainage, or melting snow.
You can check your flood risk by reviewing your area’s FEMA flood map. FEMA flood zones are categorized as:
High-risk (Flood Zone A or Flood Zone AE): Flooding has a 1% or higher chance of occurring each year.
Moderate-risk (Flood B or Flood Zone X): Flooding is less likely but still possible.
Low-risk (Flood C or Flood Zone X): Flooding is uncommon but not impossible.
Local governments, emergency management offices, or resources like the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) can also help you understand your property’s risk level and what local resources are available in case of a flood.
Creating a Family Emergency Plan
A flood can develop quickly, and having a plan helps ensure everyone knows what to do.
Steps to Prepare:
Identify evacuation routes. Learn the safest routes out of your neighborhood and keep alternatives in mind in case roads are flooded.
Choose meeting points. Pick a safe place for your family to meet if you’re separated — one nearby and one outside your local area.
Plan for pets. Not all shelters accept animals, so research pet-friendly shelters or hotels ahead of time.
Share your plan. Make sure every family member knows where to go and who to contact in an emergency. Keep printed copies of the plan in waterproof containers.
Practice your plan. Run a quick drill so everyone knows how to evacuate and where supplies are stored.
You can also use FEMA’s Family Emergency Communication Plan template to help organize your contacts and evacuation details.
Building an Emergency Evacuation Kit
When a flood warning is issued, you may need to leave quickly. Having a ready-to-go emergency kit ensures you have what you need to stay safe for at least 72 hours.
Recommended Items:
Flashlight and batteries
First-aid supplies and essential medications
Bottled water (one gallon per person, per day)
Non-perishable food
Cash and identification
Cell phone chargers and portable power banks
Important documents (kept in a waterproof container or bag)
Blankets, clothing, and hygiene products
Pet food and supplies
Store your kit in a waterproof backpack or plastic bin, and keep it somewhere easy to grab if you need to evacuate.
Protecting Your Home Before a Flood
Preparation can reduce the impact of flooding and help protect your property.
Move valuables and electronics to higher levels or shelves.
Clear gutters and drains so rainwater can flow away from your home.
Secure outdoor furniture and bring in anything that could float away.
Unplug electrical devices and shut off utilities if instructed by local authorities.
Store important documents in waterproof containers or make digital copies.
If flooding is imminent, turn off your main power switch (if it’s safe to do so) and relocate to higher ground immediately.
Staying Informed During a Flood
Timely updates can help you act quickly and safely.
Sign up for local emergency alerts through your city or county.
Keep your phone charged and enable Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA).
Tune in to local news or radio stations for official updates.
Monitor the National Weather Service (NOAA) for real-time forecasts and warnings.
Follow evacuation orders from local emergency officials — don’t wait until water levels rise.
After the Flood: Safety First
Floodwaters can contain contaminants and debris, so take precautions when returning home.
Wait for official clearance before reentering your home.
Avoid driving or walking through standing water.
Photograph and document any damage for your records.
Wear protective gloves and boots during cleanup.
Discard any food or items that came into contact with floodwater.
Be aware that the ground and structures may be unstable even after flood water recedes.
Staying Resilient Year After Year
Flood risk can change over time due to new construction, soil erosion, or climate shifts. Check your area’s flood zone each year and update your emergency plan regularly.
We offer flood insurance through the NFIP as well as private options. Want to compare? We offer an entirely online process where you can compare prices side-by-side.
Disclaimer: The information on this site is provided for general guidance and informational purposes only. We make no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the content. All liability for any reliance on the information is expressly disclaimed.
