Flooding is the most common natural disaster in the U.S., posing a significant threat to homes across the country. Floods can happen anywhere, quickly turning dry land into a water-covered disaster area.
Being well-prepared is crucial to minimizing damage to your home and ensuring the safety of your loved ones. This guide provides information on preparing your home for a flood, including assessing your flood risk and preparing home upgrades for flood-proofing.
Assess Your Home’s Flood Risks
Before taking protective measures, take time to understand your home’s specific flood risk and potential weaknesses. Here’s how to evaluate your home’s risk.
Determine Whether You’re in a Flood Zone
A flood zone is an area determined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to be susceptible to flooding. FEMA categorizes flood zones based on risk levels. You can look up your community on the FEMA site to determine your flood zone status. Zones are labeled on flood maps using the following designators:
- High-risk: A, V, or VE
- Moderate to low risk: B, C, or X
- Undetermined risk: D
Identify Flood-Prone Areas
Outside of the FEMA flood designation, you can determine if your property is at risk by considering these critical factors:
- If your home is in proximity to water bodies such as rivers, lakes, or oceans
- If your house sits in a low-lying area or valley
- If you are in an area with poor drainage or a high water table
- If you live in a region with a history of flooding
Evaluate Structural Weaknesses
Especially if you’re in a flood-prone area, you can identify potential flood entry points in your home. This will help prioritize flood-proofing and retrofitting for natural disasters. Check the following areas for their flood-water vulnerability:
- Basement windows and doors
- Cracks in the foundation
- Low-lying entryways
- Poorly sealed utility connections
How To Flood-Proof Your Home
While no home can be made entirely flood-proof, you can implement the following upgrades to enhance your home’s resilience and protect your property against flooding.
Landscaping for Flood Prevention
Use these landscaping techniques to improve water management:
- Plant native vegetation to absorb excess water
- Create swales or rain gardens to direct water away from structures
- Use permeable materials for driveways and walkways
- Maintain a healthy lawn to prevent soil erosion
Consult with a landscape architect to develop a comprehensive water management plan for your property.
Structural Upgrades
Consider these structural changes to improve your home’s flood resistance:
- Anchor fuel tanks to prevent flotation and contamination
- Elevate your home above the base flood elevation to protect it from rising flood waters
- Install backflow valves on sewer and septic tank lines to flush excess water
- Raise electrical system components and HVAC equipment to prevent damage
Waterproofing Your Home
Use these waterproofing methods to minimize water intrusion:
- Apply sealants to waterproof basement walls and floors
- Use water-resistant building materials in flood-prone areas
- Install a sump pump with a battery backup system to handle basement flooding
- Improve grading around your home to direct water away from the foundation
Flood Insurance Types and Coverage
Flood insurance is a critical component of flood preparedness, especially for those in high-risk areas. There are two main types of flood insurance:
- National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP): This federally backed insurance is available to homeowners in participating communities
- Private flood insurance: These policies are offered by private insurance companies, often with more extensive coverage options
Mortgage lenders require homeowners in high-risk areas to purchase flood insurance for their homes. But even if you’re in a flood zone where it’s not mandatory to buy flood insurance, you should consider doing this. Just a few inches of water in your basement can cause plenty of damage to your home and be very costly.
Coverage Limitations
Flood insurance typically provides coverage for homes located in flood-prone areas. However, similar to most insurance policies, it has certain exclusions and limitations. We’ve highlighted some key coverage details below:
- Standard homeowners insurance typically does not cover flood damage
- NFIP policies have coverage limits for both the structure and contents
- Most policies include a waiting period before coverage takes effect
- Some types of property may be excluded from coverage, such as vehicles
We recommend reviewing your flood insurance policy carefully to understand your coverage and consider supplementing your protection if needed.
Creating a Flood Emergency Plan and Kit
A well-thought-out emergency plan can save lives and reduce stress during a flood event. We recommend including the following resources, tools, and items in your emergency plan.
Evacuation Routes and Safe Zones
Develop an evacuation plan that includes the following items:
- Multiple escape routes from your home and neighborhood
- Designated meeting points for family members
- Locations of local shelters or safe areas
Make sure to practice your evacuation plan regularly with all family members so that everyone knows what to do in an emergency. Send digital copies of your evacuation plan to your family members and keep a physical copy in a safe place.
Communication Strategies
Establish a communication plan that includes these key items:
- An out-of-area contact person for family members to check in with
- A list of important phone numbers and contact information
- A plan for staying informed about local conditions and evacuation orders
Flood Preparedness Kit
A well-stocked emergency kit is essential for surviving the immediate aftermath of a flood. Your flood preparedness kit should include the items below:
- Three-day supply of non-perishable food and water (one gallon per person per day)
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- First aid kit and prescription medications
- Personal hygiene items and sanitation supplies
- Warm clothing and blankets
Regularly check and update your kit to ensure supplies are fresh and functional.
Important Documents
Safeguard these crucial documents in a waterproof container:
- Identification documents (driver’s licenses, passports, birth certificates)
- Insurance policies and contact information
- Bank account records and credit card information
- Medical records and prescription information
- Emergency contact list
Consider making digital copies of these documents for easy access during an emergency.
Preparing for an Imminent Flood
When a flood is imminent, take these last-minute precautions to minimize damage.
Check Your Water Drainage Systems
Proper water drainage systems are essential to prevent flooding around your home. This involves regularly cleaning out gutters and downspouts, clearing debris from street drains near your property, and checking that sump pumps are functioning properly. By consistently maintaining these systems, you can significantly reduce the risk of water accumulation around your home, which is a key factor in preventing flood damage.
Use Sandbags to Prevent Flooding
Here’s an overview of how to use sandbags to create barriers against floodwater:
- Fill sandbags two-thirds full with sand or soil
- Fold the top of the bag over and place it with the folded top toward the water source
- Layer bags like bricks, stamping each one into place
- Build the barrier at least one foot high, with a three-foot base for every foot of height
You can also use modern alternatives like self-inflating barriers for easier storage and deployment.
Protect Your Valuables
Safeguard irreplaceable items and important documents by storing them in waterproof containers. Place them on upper floors or in elevated areas of your home. As an extra precaution, create digital copies or photographs of important documents and keepsakes. For extremely valuable or sensitive items such as jewelry or old family photos, consider renting a safe deposit box.
Elevate Furniture and Appliances
To minimize damage to your belongings during potential flooding, consider moving furniture, appliances, and electronics to upper floors when feasible. For heavy furniture that can’t be relocated, use concrete blocks to elevate them. Install shelving units in basements and ground-level rooms to keep items off the floor.
It’s important to regularly reassess the placement of your belongings, particularly during seasons when flooding is more likely to occur. These precautions can significantly reduce the risk of water damage to your possessions.
Shut Off Your Utilities
Know the location of the main power breaker and learn how to turn it off to prevent accidental electrocution. Additionally, familiarize yourself with how to shut off the main gas and water valves in case of a flood to avoid potential hazards. It’s a good idea to practice these actions in advance so that you’ll be prepared to act quickly if a disaster occurs.
Check Emergency Alert Systems
Sign up for local emergency alerts to receive timely notifications about flood risks and evacuation orders. You can also stay informed using the following channels:
- NOAA Weather Radio
- Local TV and radio stations
- Emergency alert apps on smartphones
- Community warning systems (sirens, reverse 911 calls)
Post-Flood Safety Measures
After a flood, prioritize safety above all else when assessing and addressing damage. Do not attempt to re-enter your home until authorities have officially declared it safe to do so. Once you receive clearance, take the following steps to assess your home.
Assess Structural Damage
Carefully inspect the exterior for visible structural damage, such as warping, cracks, and loosened foundations. Be alert for potential hazards like downed power lines or gas leaks. Keep in mind that wildlife may have sought refuge in or around your property during the flood.
If you observe any signs of serious structural damage, it’s essential to have a professional inspect your home before you enter to ensure it’s safe to do so.
Avoid Contaminated Water
Floodwater often contains harmful contaminants, so taking precautions during cleanup is essential. Always wear protective gear, including gloves, boots, and masks when handling flood-affected items or areas. Any food or beverages that have come into contact with floodwater should be discarded without exception. Until authorities declare the water supply safe, use only boiled or bottled water for drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene.
All surfaces touched by floodwater must be thoroughly disinfected to prevent the spread of contaminants. If you’ve been exposed to contaminated water and develop any symptoms of illness, seek medical attention promptly.
Our Conclusion
Preparing for a flood involves understanding your risk, implementing protective measures, and having an emergency plan. Take proactive steps to flood-proof your home, get proper insurance, and create a comprehensive preparedness strategy to reduce the impact on your property and family. Remember to regularly review and update your plans, maintain your flood-proofing measures, and stay informed about changing flood risks in your area.