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Stay safe during a flood.

We're here to protect you before, during and after a natural disaster.

How to prepare for a flood

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Prepare for a flood

Video Duration: 2 minutes 57 seconds

Introduction: Elapsed time 0 minutes 0 seconds [00:00]

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.

Prepare your home:

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.

Things to consider:

Description of visual information: [Help protect your home by following a few simple steps.] End of description.

  • Turn off power and unplug everything.
  • Elevate appliances above the expected levels of floodwaters on masonry, concrete or pressure-treated lumber. Just a few inches of water can permanently damage many appliances.
  • Consider protecting the following:
    • Washer and dryer
    • Computers, routers and phones
    • Other electronics, such as televisions and cable boxes

Tips on sandbags:

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.

Filling:

  • Fill sandbags one-half full.
  • Use sand if available; otherwise, use local soil.
  • Fold the top of the sandbag down and rest the bag on its folded top.

Placing sandbags:

  • Stack no more than three layers unless you have a wall to use for support. You can also stack sandbags in a pyramid.
  • Tamp each sandbag into place before starting the next layer.
  • Clear a path between buildings for debris to flow.
  • Lay a plastic sheet between the building and the bags to control the flow and prevent water from seeping through openings like sliding glass doors.

Maintaining:

  • Sandbags deteriorate when exposed for several months. They may not be effective when needed if they're left outside for too long.
  • Wet sandbags are very heavy. Use caution when lifting to avoid injury.

Be ready to go:

  • Sign up for local weather alerts to monitor potential flood events in your area.
  • Have "Go Bags" ready for your home that include nonperishable foods, medicine, water, an evacuation checklist and important documents.
  • Have an evacuation plan ready for your family and pets.

Description of visual information: [Having a plan and supplies ready, will help you and your family stay safe.] End of description.

Did you know:

  • More deaths are caused by flooding than any other severe weather-related hazard.
  • Six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet or cause you to lose control of your car.
  • Two feet of water can sweep an SUV off a road or bridge.

Description of visual information: [Source: National Weather Service; NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory] End of description.

Evacuation tips:

  • Flooded roads could have significant damage hidden by floodwaters. Never drive through floodwaters, on flooded roads or over flooded bridges.
  • Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.

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.

End: Elapsed time 2 minutes 57 seconds [02:57]

Understand flood warnings

It's important to know the types of flood warnings so you can prepare and act. Make sure to charge your mobile device and sign up for emergency alerts.

Flood advisory

This means minor flooding is expected. It might be a bit inconvenient, so be careful to avoid any risks to you or your property.

Flood watch

This means conditions are favorable for flooding. It’s more likely to flood than with an advisory. Stay prepared and keep an eye on updates.

Flood or flash flood warning

This means flooding is happening or about to happen. A flash flood warning is for sudden, intense flooding that can develop quickly.

Learn more about preparing for a flood

Flood safety tips

Help keep your family safe during a flood with .

More flood safety tips

  • Gather or inventory important documents and valuables.
  • Put important documents in waterproof containers.
  • In case of evacuation, find an open shelter.
  • If there's thunder and lightning and you can't find shelter, crouch down to stay low and minimize contact with the ground. Learn about lightning safety.
  • Have a full tank of gas in your car and any emergency supplies ready.
  • Avoid areas that are likely to flood like underpasses, dips or canyons.
  • Stay away from disaster areas to avoid obstructing rescue and emergency operations.
  • If water rises around your vehicle, leave it and immediately climb to higher ground.

Check gutters

Safely check, clean and repair gutters, downspouts, and storm drains to direct rainfall away from your home. Make sure they don't have any rusted-out spots, holes or openings.

Fill sandbags

Create a barrier that can help keep water out with sandbags (How to create barriers with sandbags). They can redirect stormwater and debris away from your home if they’re correctly filled, placed and maintained.

Store water

Fill reusable bottles with clean water for drinking. You can also fill bathtubs and sinks with water for flushing the toilet or washing clothes.

Unplug appliances

Unplug small appliances and electronics to reduce potential power surges. If you use a portable generator, make sure you have enough fuel and use it safely outdoors.

Are you covered if there’s a flood?

Floods can happen anywhere it rains. Even if you haven’t had a flood before, coverage now could help you in the future.

Flood insurance isn’t included in most property policies. And typically, there's a 30-day waiting period before a flood policy is effective.

Explore flood insurance

Already covered? Report a claim

Related footnotes:

  1. Coverage descriptions are brief and subject to the terms and conditions of your insurance policy. Read your insurance policy for details. Applications subject to underwriting.

  2. Safety guidelines are not intended to be all inclusive, but are provided for your consideration. Please use your own judgment to determine what safety features/procedures should be used in each unique situation.

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