Flood Preparation & Response

Reduce damage before water rises and stay safe during and after a flood.

Know Your Risk

• Look up your address on FEMA's Flood Map Service Center
• Ask neighbors who've been there 10+ years about historic flood lines
• Buy flood insurance — standard homeowners policies do NOT cover flooding (30-day waiting period in most cases)
• Sign up for local flood and weather alerts

Reduce Damage Now

• Elevate furnace, water heater, and electrical panel above expected flood level if possible
• Install backflow valves on sewer lines
• Anchor fuel tanks (heating oil, propane)
• Store valuables and documents on upper floors or in waterproof containers
• Test sump pump quarterly; install a battery backup
• Keep a roll of plastic sheeting, sandbags, and waterproof tape on hand

When Flooding Is Forecast

• Move vehicles to higher ground
• Move important items, electronics, and chemicals upstairs
• Sandbag doors and low vents if you have time
• Disconnect electronics and turn off main breaker if water is entering
• Fill bathtubs and clean containers with drinking water
• Charge phones, power banks, laptops
• Pack a 72-hour go bag in case of evacuation

During

• Turn Around, Don't Drown — 6 inches of moving water knocks you over, 12 inches floats a small car
• Avoid all walking or driving through floodwater — it hides debris, holes, and downed lines
• If trapped in a building: go to the highest level but NEVER a closed attic without escape
• If trapped in a car in rising water: get on the roof and call 911
• Listen to NOAA radio for evacuation orders and updates

After

• Do not return home until officials say it's safe
• Avoid floodwater — assume it contains sewage, chemicals, and debris
• Photograph all damage before throwing anything away
• Call your flood insurance carrier to start a claim within 24-48 hours
• Throw out food, medicine, and cosmetics that touched floodwater — when in doubt, throw it out
• Wear gloves, boots, N95 during cleanup; mold starts within 24-48 hours
• Drywall touched by floodwater must be cut out 12 inches above the waterline
• Have an electrician inspect the panel before flipping the main breaker back on