Flood Survival Guide: Before, During & After Floodwaters Rise

Floods Kill in Two Ways: Fast and Slow

Flash floods kill quickly — walls of water that give you no time. River floods and storm surge floods build slower but can inundate homes with feet of water for days or weeks. Both are deadly, but they require different responses. Most flood deaths in the US are vehicle-related: people driving into flooded roadways who underestimate the depth and current.

Know Your Flood Risk Before the Rain Comes

• Check your FEMA Flood Map at msc.fema.gov to know your flood zone designation
• Flood Zone A or AE = high risk; flood insurance is typically required for mortgaged homes
• Even Zone X (minimal flood hazard) properties flood — 25% of flood claims come from low-risk areas
• Sign up for local emergency alerts at your county emergency management website

Flood Insurance: What You Need to Know

Homeowner's insurance does NOT cover flood damage. You need a separate flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer.

Pre-Flood Home Protection

Sandbags: How to Do It Right

• Fill sandbags 1/2 to 2/3 full — overfilled bags don't seal well
• Use plastic sheeting as a base layer before stacking sandbags
• Stack in a pyramid pattern, staggering seams like brickwork
• Always position the fold/tied end facing the water
• A single-row sandbag wall 1 foot high can deflect several inches of water flow
• For significant flooding, 3–4 foot walls require planning and many bags — consider flood barriers

Other Protective Measures

• Sump pump + backup — battery-powered backup sump pump is essential in flood-prone areas
• Backflow preventer on sewer line — prevents sewage backup into lower-level drains
• Elevate utilities — electrical panels, HVAC, water heaters on platforms above expected flood level
• Flood vents in foundation walls — allow water in to equalize pressure, preventing structural failure
• Waterproof critical documents — store in a waterproof safe or off-site

During a Flash Flood: Immediate Actions

If Indoors

1. Go immediately to the highest level of the building
2. Do NOT go into a basement — you can become trapped as water rises
3. If water is rising rapidly and you're in a multi-story building, move to the roof if necessary
4. Call 911 and signal rescuers from a window

If in a Vehicle

1. If water begins entering the car, unlock doors immediately
2. If car is submerged: wait for pressure to equalize (water nearly filling cabin), then push door open
3. If door won't open: use a window punch or sharp object to break side window (not windshield)
4. Swim toward the surface — release any heavy items pulling you down

If Outdoors

• Climb to high ground immediately — do not try to wade through moving water
• Avoid stream banks, drainage channels, and low-lying areas
• Never cross moving water on foot if it's above your ankles

After the Flood: The Recovery Minefield

Do Not Return Until Cleared

Do not re-enter your home until authorities declare it safe. Structural damage, live electrical hazards, gas leaks, and contamination make flooded homes dangerous even after water recedes.

When You Do Return

1. Document everything before touching anything — photos and video for insurance
2. Check for gas leaks — if you smell gas, leave immediately and call the gas company
3. Do not turn on electricity until an electrician confirms it's safe
4. Pump out water slowly — too fast can cause structural collapse if surrounding soil is waterlogged
5. Begin drying within 24–48 hours — mold begins growing within 2 days
6. Wear PPE — N95 masks, rubber gloves, and boots during all cleanup

Mold Prevention After Flooding

• Remove all wet porous materials (drywall, insulation, carpet, furniture) that cannot be thoroughly dried within 48 hours
• Run dehumidifiers and fans continuously
• Open windows and doors if outdoor conditions allow
• Clean hard surfaces with a mixture of water and detergent, then apply a mold-inhibiting solution
• Any material with active mold growth that cannot be cleaned should be removed and discarded

Flood Emergency Kit