Key Takeaways

• Preparation saves time and money. Knowing your flood risk, having a plan, and preparing your home can significantly reduce the impact of flooding.
• Emergency kits and communication plans are essential. Stock up on supplies and make sure every household member knows what to do if a flood hits.
• Document everything after a flood. Photos, videos, and detailed records are critical for filing a successful insurance claim.
• Safety comes first during cleanup. Don’t re-enter your home until it’s deemed safe, and take precautions to avoid mold, contaminants, and structural damage.

Flooding is one of the most common and costly natural disasters in the United States. Whether caused by heavy rainfall, hurricanes, flash floods, or overflowing rivers, it can happen with little warning—leaving behind significant damage and costly repairs. The best defense is preparation. Knowing what to do before, during, and after a flood can protect your family, safeguard your home, and accelerate your recovery.

How to Prepare Before a Flood

Preparation is key to minimizing the impact of flooding. Start by understanding your risk. If you live in a flood-prone area—or even if you don’t—check FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center to determine whether your home is in a designated flood zone. Flood insurance is highly recommended for anyone in a risk area, and it’s important to note that most standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood damage.

Have an Emergency Plan

Having a solid emergency plan in place is essential. Create a household evacuation strategy that includes multiple escape routes, a communication plan, and a designated meeting place outside of the flood zone. Make sure everyone in your household understands the plan, and practice it periodically, especially if you have children or pets.

Build an Emergency Kit

Next, assemble a well-stocked emergency kit. This should include flashlights, batteries, portable chargers, bottled water, non-perishable food for at least three days, a first aid kit, medications, personal hygiene items, extra clothing, and copies of important documents stored in waterproof containers. You may also want to include cash, spare keys, and emergency contact information.

Invest in Regular Upkeep

To protect your property, consider practical upgrades such as installing a sump pump in your basement, sealing foundation walls, elevating critical appliances like water heaters and electrical panels, and clearing gutters and storm drains to ensure proper drainage. Move valuables and electronics to higher levels of your home to keep them out of harm’s way.

Stay Informed

Finally, stay informed. Sign up for local emergency alerts and monitor the National Weather Service for flood watches and warnings. Early awareness can give you the precious time you need to evacuate or secure your home.

What to Do After a Flood

Once the flooding has subsided, safety remains your top priority. Do not return to your home until local authorities declare it safe. Floodwaters can hide a variety of dangers, including electrical hazards, gas leaks, sewage contamination, and structural instability.

Document Damage

When it is safe to re-enter, document all flood damage thoroughly before beginning cleanup. Take detailed photos and videos of every affected area and item—this evidence will be crucial when filing an insurance claim. Be sure to keep records of any communications with your insurance provider, along with receipts for repairs, lodging, or replacements.

Contact Your Insurance

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the damage and initiate the claims process. The sooner you start, the quicker you can receive assistance. If you have flood insurance, your adjuster may schedule an inspection to assess the extent of the damage.

Wear Protective Gear

As you begin cleanup, wear protective gear such as gloves, waterproof boots, and a mask to protect yourself from mold and contaminants. Remove any standing water using pumps or wet/dry vacuums, and discard water-damaged items that cannot be properly cleaned or dried. Porous materials like carpets, mattresses, and drywall often need to be replaced to prevent mold growth. Use fans and dehumidifiers to dry out the space thoroughly and disinfect all surfaces with bleach or EPA-approved cleaning solutions.

Get an Inspection

It’s also important to have your home inspected for structural damage. Flooding can compromise the integrity of your foundation, electrical systems, and plumbing. A licensed professional can assess the damage and determine whether repairs are needed to make your home safe again.

Preventing Future Flood Damage

While you can’t prevent natural disasters, you can make your home more resilient. Consider landscaping changes that direct water away from your foundation, such as installing French drains or regrading your yard. You may also want to install flood vents, sump pumps with battery backups, and backflow prevention valves to reduce the chance of future damage.

If you live in a high-risk area, building with water-resistant materials and elevating your home may be long-term solutions worth exploring. Local building codes and municipal planning departments can offer guidance and resources to help you strengthen your home’s flood defense.

Final Thoughts

Floods can be devastating—but with the right preparation and response, you can protect your family, minimize damage, and recover more quickly. From assembling an emergency kit to documenting damage for insurance, every step you take before and after flooding makes a difference.

If your home has recently experienced flooding, don’t wait to take action. Contact your insurance provider and consider working with a professional restoration company to ensure your home is cleaned, repaired, and made safe for your return. Being proactive today can help prevent greater loss tomorrow.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I include in a flood emergency kit?

A flood emergency kit should include bottled water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies, essential medications, hygiene items, important documents (in waterproof containers), phone chargers, and extra clothes or blankets.

2. Does homeowners insurance cover flood damage?

In most cases, standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. To protect your property, you’ll need to purchase a separate flood insurance policy, typically through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer.

3. How soon should I contact my insurance company after a flood?

You should contact your insurance provider as soon as it is safe to do so. Prompt communication helps speed up the claims process and ensures you receive the appropriate assistance as quickly as possible.