Prepare your home and family for a flooding emergency. Learn how to stay safe during an active flooding event and recover afterward. Make a flood plan today.
Article: 5 minutes
Updated: October 28, 2026 Published: November 21, 2024
By: USAA Reviewed by: Editorial contributors
Floods are a common natural disaster, and preparing a plan is crucial for safety and swift recovery. This guide offers practical steps to take before, during and after a flood event.
The federal government considers floods one of the nation's most common natural disasters. It’s critical to have a plan so that you can prepare for, stay safe during and recover quickly after a flood. This guide will help you with tips to build your plan and be ready.
Your number one priority during a flood or any natural disaster is to keep your family and yourself safe. If you are ordered to evacuate, do so. Having a mapped-out and practiced evacuation plan can make it easier for you to leave your home safely and quickly. That includes having an emergency kit stocked with the right supplies in case you have to evacuate.
Research shows that people who don’t evacuate may lack transportation, may not have a plan for their pets or may be reluctant due to potential costs of food or lodging. Knowing your plan and the resources that you may have available can make your evacuation plan more effective.
Review your homeowners or property insurance. Flood insurance is not included with a standard homeowners insurance policy and is typically added as a separate policy. Depending on your home’s location and type of mortgage, you may be required to get flood insurance.
Even if you live in a low-risk area, getting flood insurance can be a good idea. Some insurance companies may offer coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program. Premiums vary depending on how flood-prone the covered property is and how much coverage you want.
If you live in a high-risk area, consider getting and storing sandbags to help create a barrier or direct water flow away from your homes. Keep your gutters clear of debris, and try to direct their water flow away from your home too.
Within your home, elevate or anchor critical utilities such as electrical panels, propane tanks, appliances, wiring and sockets. Consider installing a water alarm or detector if you have a basement and maintain a working sump pump with a battery-operated backup to remove accumulated groundwater even if power is lost.
When flooding is predicted or imminent, move furniture and valuables to a safe place, such as an attic or the highest floor of your home. Unplug and elevate electronics that floodwaters could reach and put important financial, medical and legal documents in a safe place.
Consider storing sensitive or personally valuable items like photographs or heirlooms in a safe area or in a waterproof container.
Access to clean water may be difficult during a flood event. If possible, fill reusable bottles with clean water for drinking. Bathtubs and sinks also can be filled with water for flushing the toilet or washing clothes.
Contact your health care provider if you are sick and need medical attention. Wait for further care instructions and shelter in place, if possible. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.
If you use a portable generator, ensure you have enough fuel and follow the manufacturer's instructions for use. For your safety, only use it outdoors to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
Evacuate immediately, if told to do so and listen to the Emergency Alert System, NOAA National Weather Service or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions regarding flooding.
Video Duration: 2 minutes 57 seconds
Description of visual information: [Title card: Flood preparation; disclosure: In conjunction with Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH)] End of description.
Floods are the most common and widespread of all weather-related natural disasters. It can flood anywhere it can rain. Here are some tips from USAA and FLASH, Federal Alliance for Safe Homes, on how to stay safe.
On average, flooding causes more than 90 percent of disaster-related property damage in the U.S. each year. Description of visual information: [Source: Insurance Information Institute; FEMA P312 – Page 23] End of description.
Here are some steps you can take before a flood to help protect your home.
Description of visual information: [Help protect your home by following a few simple steps.] End of description.
Sandbags can redirect up to two feet of water and debris if they're correctly filled, placed and maintained. Follow these instructions to help protect your home. Description of visual information: [Sandbags are for small water flow protection – up to two feet.] End of description.
Description of visual information: [Having a plan and supplies ready, will help you and your family stay safe.] End of description.
Description of visual information: [Source: National Weather Service; NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory] End of description.
Description of visual information: [Follow these tips to help you stay safe.] End of description.
And always remember, we're here to help. Navigate to the bottom of this page to file a claim.
For more flood tips, check out the rest of the advice provided on this page: usaa.com/floodhelp.
Description of visual information: [USAA logo
The information contained is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to represent any endorsement, expressed or implied, by USAA or any affiliates.
The trademarks, logos and names of other companies, products and services are the property of their respective owners.
USAA means United Services Automobile Association and its affiliates.
9100504] End of description.
Avoid walking, swimming or driving through flood waters. And never drive around barricades. Local responders use them to safely direct traffic out of flooded areas. Remember: Turn Around Don’t Drown®.
Stay clear of bridges over fast-moving water, as it can wash bridges away without warning. And try to avoid areas subject to flooding, such as underpasses, dips or canyons.
If you find yourself in floodwaters that rise around your vehicle, exit immediately and climb to higher ground if possible.
If trapped in a building during a flood, get to the highest level possible. Only get on the roof if necessary, and signal for help once there. Avoid sheltering in attics, as rising floodwaters could trap you inside.
Floodwater, even if it’s not fast-moving, can be deeper than you think and may carry contaminants and dangerous debris. Try to stay out of it if possible. Also, be aware of areas where floodwater has receded, as roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a vehicle. Watch for fallen power lines, broken gas lines and other dangerous materials. Report them immediately to local utility companies or city services.
Wait to bring your children and pets back into your home until you're able to inspect your property. Look for things like sagging floors and ceilings, which means they are wet and may be heavy and dangerous.
If it's safe to do so, turn off the electricity at the main breaker or fuse box to prevent electric shock. Don't touch electrical equipment if it's wet or if you're standing in water.
Protect yourself from harmful bacteria, airborne inhalation hazards and electrical hazards by wearing proper protective clothing, such as rubber boots, respiratory protection, rubber gloves, goggles and head covers.
Using insect repellent may help protect you from infectious diseases carried by mosquitoes and other insects. And putting antibiotic ointment on abrasions or cuts and covering them up as best as possible can help avoid infections.
Property damage is not always immediately evident. If you find property damage, file a claim. Take photos of any damage before you remove debris or make temporary repairs. Be sure to check for any signs of water leaks, especially in the ceilings. If you need to make temporary repairs to prevent further damage, save the receipts for reimbursement consideration. Avoid making permanent repairs until your claims adjuster has assessed damage.
You may need to act right away to avoid further damage to your property. Only do what you can do safely on your own and consider hiring professionals for anything else.
Protect your property from further damage by covering roof openings, broken windows or doors with tarps or plywood and save receipts for what you spend.
After wind and rain, your roof might be damaged and leaking. Insurance doesn't typically cover the cost of an independent inspection, but it may still be worth hiring a licensed contractor to inspect your roof right away.
If you have standing water in your basement and can pump the water out yourself, make sure you do it gradually to avoid structural damage. Pressure from the wet soil outside could cause basement walls to collapse if the water is pumped out too quickly.
Damaged sewage systems, such as septic tanks, cesspools, pits and leaching systems, are health hazards and should be serviced as soon as possible.
Drying out your home, including furniture and drywall, as soon as possible helps avoid mold, which can be difficult and dangerous to clean up. Even though your flood policy may not cover the cost, consider hiring an experienced professional certified by the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA).
If you don't have flood insurance, you may qualify for disaster assistance through FEMA. They may be able to provide disaster assistance for things like medical and dental expenses, childcare, essential household items, moving and storage and some cleanup items.
Getting back on your feet following a storm can be stressful, but it is possible to financially recover from the storm.
Explore insurance policies that help you stay protected when the unplanned happens.