Flood.global

How to prepare for a flood

Most flood damage and nearly every flood death can be prevented with steps taken days or months ahead. Here's what to do, in order.

Reviewed October 2026

A roof gutter and downspout on a house on a grey, rainy day
Clear gutters and downspouts help rain drain away from your home. Photo: Miles Smith on Unsplash

1. Know your risk

  • Look up your flood zone with the flood lookup or on FEMA's Flood Map Service Center. A high-risk zone is a clear signal, but flooding doesn't follow map lines, and any home can flood.
  • Find the gauges and creeks near you. Read the flood impact statements for the nearest river gauge on your stream. See river flood stages explained.
  • Ask your neighbors and your community's floodplain manager whether your street has flooded before.

2. Get insured early

Homeowners and renters policies don't cover floods, and a new flood policy usually takes 30 days to start. Buy it now, not when a storm is in the forecast. See flood insurance basics.

3. Protect your paperwork

  • Keep copies of insurance policies, IDs, deeds, medical records and prescriptions in a waterproof container, and save digital copies somewhere you can reach from any device.
  • Make a home inventory. Walk through every room recording video or photos, including inside closets and drawers. It makes an insurance claim much faster.
  • Write down your insurance agent's number and your policy numbers.

4. Protect your home

  • Clear gutters, downspouts and storm drains near your home so rain can drain away.
  • Install a sump pump with battery backup if you have a basement. Power often goes out in the storms that cause flooding.
  • Install backflow (check) valves on drain lines so floodwater can't push sewage up into your home.
  • Raise the furnace, water heater and electrical panel above likely flood levels. If you're rebuilding or renovating, a licensed electrician can raise outlets, switches and wiring at least 12 inches above the expected flood elevation.
  • Move valuables and important items off basement floors and to higher floors.
  • Know how to shut off your electricity, gas and water.

5. Make a plan

  • Know your evacuation route and a second way out. Find out where your community's shelters are, and where you could stay with friends or family on higher ground.
  • Plan for pets, older relatives and anyone who needs help to leave.
  • Pick a contact outside your area that everyone in the family can check in with.
  • Turn on emergency alerts on your phone, and sign up for your county's alert system. See how to get flood alerts.

6. Pack a go bag

Enough supplies for several days, including:

  • Water: at least 1 gallon per person per day, for at least 3 days
  • Food that doesn't need cooking, and a manual can opener
  • Medications, glasses and medical supplies
  • Flashlight, battery or crank radio, and extra batteries
  • Phone chargers and a power bank
  • Cash, copies of documents and your contact list
  • Sturdy shoes, rain gear, gloves and a change of clothes
  • Pet food, leashes and carriers

7. When a watch or warning is issued

  • Flood Watch: charge phones and power banks, fill your car's gas tank, move valuables up, and bring in outdoor furniture and anything that could float away.
  • Flood Warning or Flash Flood Warning: move to higher ground now if you're in a flood-prone area. Follow evacuation orders. If there's time and it's safe, turn off electricity at the main breaker before you go.
  • Never walk or drive through floodwater. Six inches of moving water can knock you down, and 12 inches can carry away a car. Turn around, don't drown.
  • If you're trapped in a building, go to the highest level. Don't climb into a closed attic, where rising water can trap you. Go onto the roof only if you must, and signal for help.

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