• Know your home and community’s flood risk. Do you live near a river, stream, lake, or detention basin? Do you live in a low-lying area where flooding is common after severe weather? Does your neighborhood have a history of flooding?

• Make Plans to Stay Safe! Flash floods can be sudden and violent. You may have little to no warning. Designate a place on higher ground that you can get to quickly. Plan to move to higher ground before flooding begins.

• Don't underestimate your flood risk. Just because you haven't experienced flooding doesn't mean it can't happen to you, especially if you live near a river or stream. Make sure you have an evacuation plan, and don't wait until the last minute to leave for higher ground.

The Basics of Preparedness

• Put together a family emergency plan

• Gather supplies for a family emergency kit

• Know how to be aware of changing weather conditions

• Learn how to be better prepared so you can help others

Prepare for flooding and evacuation

• Make an evacuation plan. Pack "Go Bags" for each family member with clothing, toiletries, food, water, and necessary medicines. Create a family emergency kit with flashlights, a first aid kit, food, water, snacks, medicine, copies of important documents, some cash, sturdy shoes, and batteries. Add sleeping bags for each family member.

• Plan at least one evacuation route. Two is better. When in doubt, evacuate. Flood water can rise quickly and cut off roads in a matter of minutes. Know how to get to high ground if your exit routes are impassible due to flood waters.

• Plan for power outages. Make sure you have flashlights and spare batteries, including a power pack for your cell phone. 

• Include pets in your emergency plan. Don't wait until the last moment to gather the essentials for yourself, your family and/or your pets. Just like family members, pets should have an emergency evacuation kit. If you have to evacuate, take pets with you. Don't leave them alone in your home.

Before a flood watch, advisory, or warning:

Make sure you have a working NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radio with backup batteries. This is one of the best ways to get current weather warnings and forecast information.

Check the weather forecast at least twice a day to make sure you have the latest forecast information. Pay attention to flood watches and flood warnings. A WATCH means that flooding is possible when the watch is in effect. A WARNING means that flooding is happening, and areas that regularly flood are likely to be flooded.

If you know you live in a flood prone area

Sometimes, floods develop slowly, and forecasters can anticipate where a flood will happen days or weeks before it occurs. Oftentimes, flash floods can occur within minutes and sometimes without any sign of rain. Being prepared can save your life and give you peace of mind.

• If you have access to sandbags or other materials, use them to protect your home from flood waters if you have sufficient time to do so. Filling sandbags can take more time than you may think.

• Have a professional install check valves in plumbing to prevent flood waters from backing up into the drains of your home. Make sure your sump pump is working, and consider having a backup. Make sure your electric circuit breakers or fuses are clearly marked for each area of your home.

• Since standard homeowners insurance doesn't cover flooding, please make sure to contact your insurance company or agent to purchase flood insurance. This must be done before there is even a threat of flooding, as insurance companies stop issuing policies if there is a threat of flooding. (i.e. an approaching hurricane). Many flood insurance policies take at least 30 days to go into effect so even if you can buy it as a storm is approaching, it may not protect your investment.