WHEN THE
WATER RISES,
stay a step ahead.
Flooding doesn't wait for an invitation. From flash floods to storm surge, here's how to prepare, protect your home, and recover when the water finally recedes.
WATER DOESN'T
NEED A WARNING.
You don't need to live on the coast to experience serious flooding. Heavy rainfall, overflowing waterways, and coastal storms can turn familiar streets into dangerous waterways.
Flash Flooding
Intense rainfall can cause water to rise rapidly, sometimes with little warning. Roads, underpasses, and low-lying areas can become dangerous in minutes.
Storm Surge
Powerful storms can push seawater inland, flooding coastal communities and making evacuation routes impassable.
River & Rainfall Flooding
Rivers, streams, and drainage systems can overflow after prolonged or intense rain. Flooding can occur far from the coast.
BEFORE. DURING. AFTER.
The right decisions depend on where you are and how quickly water is rising. Here's what to know at every stage.
01 BEFORE THE FLOOD +
Understand your flood risk
- Check your property's flood risk using FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
- Remember that flooding can occur outside mapped high-risk flood zones.
- Identify nearby higher ground and multiple evacuation routes.
- Sign up for local emergency alerts and monitor National Weather Service forecasts.
Protect your home
- Keep gutters, drains, and downspouts clear.
- Move important documents and valuables to elevated locations.
- Consider elevating vulnerable utilities and appliances using qualified professionals.
- Use appropriate flood barriers or sandbags where recommended by local officials.
- Photograph your property and belongings before a disaster.
Get your household ready
- Prepare a go-bag with medications, water, food, flashlights, chargers, and important documents.
- Make a family communication and evacuation plan, including arrangements for pets.
- Keep your vehicle fueled or charged when severe flooding is forecast.
- Review your homeowners and flood insurance policies, including deductibles and waiting periods.
02 DURING THE FLOOD +
Move away from danger
- Follow evacuation orders immediately.
- Move to higher ground before roads become impassable.
- Never walk, swim, or drive through floodwater.
- Do not drive around barricades or enter flooded underpasses.
- Stay away from fast-moving water, downed electrical lines, and damaged infrastructure.
If you're trapped
- Move to the highest safe level of the building.
- Avoid entering a closed attic where you could become trapped by rising water.
- If necessary, access the roof and signal for help.
- Call emergency services when in immediate danger.
If authorities instruct you to shelter in place, follow their guidance. Do not attempt to evacuate through flooded roads.
03 AFTER THE FLOOD +
Return safely
- Wait until authorities say it is safe to return.
- Do not enter buildings with suspected structural damage or electrical hazards.
- Never turn on wet electrical equipment. Have damaged systems inspected by qualified professionals.
- Wear protective equipment when cleaning potentially contaminated areas.
- Follow local drinking water and sanitation advisories.
Begin recovery
- Photograph and video damage before cleanup when safe.
- Contact your flood insurer promptly to report the loss.
- Keep receipts for cleanup, temporary housing, and emergency repairs.
- Document damaged belongings and preserve evidence as your insurer directs.
- Begin safe drying and mold prevention as soon as practical, following official guidance.
YOUR FLOOD
RECOVERY KIT.
Preparation is easier when everything is written down. These printable worksheets help organize your plan, document damage, and keep track of the recovery process.
Flood Preparedness Checklist
A step-by-step list of what to do before, during, and after flooding.
DOWNLOAD PDF ↓Family Emergency Plan
Organize contacts, evacuation destinations, meeting points, and household needs.
DOWNLOAD PDF ↓Emergency Supply Inventory
Track water, food, medications, batteries, and emergency essentials.
DOWNLOAD PDF ↓Home Inventory Worksheet
Record valuable belongings, purchase information, and supporting documentation.
DOWNLOAD PDF ↓Post-Flood Recovery Log
Keep track of insurance claims, contractors, damage, conversations, and expenses.
DOWNLOAD PDF ↓The flood-specific checklist currently prints this guide. The other four worksheets are shared with the Hurricane Preparedness Guide.
HOMEOWNERS
INSURANCE ISN'T
FLOOD INSURANCE.
This is one of the most important distinctions homeowners can understand before flooding occurs. Standard homeowners policies generally exclude damage caused by rising water.
Separate Flood Coverage
Flood insurance is generally purchased separately through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private insurer. Coverage depends on the policy.
Flooding Outside High-Risk Zones
Flood damage isn't limited to properties inside designated high-risk flood zones. Understanding local drainage, rainfall, and flood history matters too.
Building vs. Contents
Flood policies may distinguish between coverage for the structure and coverage for personal belongings. Review your limits, exclusions, and deductibles.
Waiting Periods
NFIP policies typically have a 30-day waiting period before coverage begins, with certain exceptions. Private flood insurance terms may differ.
Flood coverage, exclusions, limits, waiting periods, and deductibles vary. Review your specific policy with a licensed insurance professional.
THE FLOOD IS OVER.
THE WORK ISN'T.
Recovering from a flood involves more than cleaning up. Here's how to approach insurance claims, documentation, and disaster assistance.
Report Flood Damage
If rising water caused damage, contact your flood insurance carrier promptly. Your homeowners carrier may also need notification if other covered damage occurred. Ask about deadlines and required documentation.
Need Help With Your NFIP Policy?
If you aren't sure which company services your NFIP flood policy, contact the NFIP Help Center at 877-336-2627. Have your policy documents or other available identifying information ready.
Build Your Claim Record
Photograph damage before removing items when safe. Keep an inventory of damaged property, receipts, contractor estimates, and a log of communications. Ask your adjuster about any proof-of-loss requirements.
Explore FEMA Assistance
If your area is covered by an eligible federal disaster declaration, you may qualify for FEMA disaster assistance, whether or not you have flood insurance. Visit DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-3362. Assistance is not a substitute for insurance.
THE RIGHT HELP.
THE RIGHT PLACE.
Use official sources for flood forecasts, risk maps, insurance information, and disaster recovery assistance.