When floodwaters rise, panic sets in—and unfortunately, so do the myths. Every year, people rely on outdated, ineffective, or downright dangerous methods to protect their homes, vehicles, and families. Some of these “solutions” spread online like wildfire, but when the water actually comes, they fail hard. If you’re serious about flood preparedness, it’s time to separate fact from fiction.
Here are 9 things people keep trying during floods… that just don’t work.
🚨 Flood Fix Reality Checker
Select a method you plan to use, and see if it holds up in real-world floods.
1️⃣ Sandbags Without a Solid Seal
Sandbags are a go-to for many homeowners, but most people use them wrong—or expect too much from them. A loosely stacked wall of sandbags won’t keep water out of your home if there’s no proper plastic sheeting or trenching underneath.
- Water seeps through tiny gaps unless sealed with plastic and tamped down
- Stacking them too high or wide can cause collapse under pressure
- They’re not designed to stop standing water, just slow fast-moving flow
- Proper sandbagging takes hours and serious muscle—not a last-minute fix
2️⃣ Duct Tape Around Doors
It seems logical: tape the door shut to keep the water out. But in reality, water laughs at duct tape. Once water pressure builds up against a door, even a sealed one, that tape gives out in seconds.
- Duct tape doesn’t adhere well to wet or dirty surfaces
- Standard doors aren’t waterproof or pressure-resistant
- Water finds its way under thresholds and through side seams
- This gives a false sense of security and delays better action
3️⃣ Moving Your Car to Higher Ground… Too Late
One of the most repeated mistakes: waiting too long to move your vehicle. By the time water is at your tires, it’s often already too late—either the roads are impassable, or your car stalls in rising water.
- As little as 6 inches of water can cause loss of control
- Two feet of water can carry most cars away
- Water can rise much faster than it appears, especially at night
- If you’re in a flood-prone area, pre-position your car before the rain hits
4️⃣ Plugging Floor Drains with Rags or Towels
When water starts backing up through floor drains, many people instinctively stuff them with towels or rags. It might slow the flow for a few seconds—but it won’t stop the pressure or the mess.
- Sewer or stormwater pressure will force its way through
- Towels quickly become soaked and useless
- Water can still enter through other connected plumbing
- The result is usually a soggy false fix and worse flooding inside
5️⃣ Blocking Garage Doors with Furniture
Stacking boxes, dressers, or even mattresses in front of a garage door won’t stop floodwater—it just ruins everything twice. These materials absorb water, shift easily, and can even trap moisture against the door, leading to faster failure.
- Garage doors are not watertight or load-bearing
- Furniture and mattresses float or collapse under pressure
- This blocks escape routes and increases damage costs
- The best garage solutions involve water-rated flood barriers or door shields
6️⃣ Running Appliances Until the Last Minute
Many people keep washers, dryers, or power tools running even as the flood threat grows—sometimes to “finish the last load” or “get one more thing done.” But if the power surges or water enters, it can be a recipe for electrical disaster.
- Wet appliances can short-circuit and become fire or electrocution hazards
- Power companies often shut off service during floods anyway
- Trying to move appliances after they’re soaked risks serious injury
- Unplug and elevate early—don’t wait for water to reach the outlet
7️⃣ Plastic Tarps on the Roof
Throwing a tarp over your roof during a flood might seem like a smart move to stop leaks—but it’s nearly always too little, too late. Plus, climbing onto a wet roof in high winds or driving rain is extremely dangerous.
- Tarps are for post-storm protection, not flood defense
- Improper placement can cause pooling and collapse
- Wind can easily rip tarps away, making leaks worse
- It’s not worth the injury risk during an active flood
8️⃣ DIY Concrete Barriers
People sometimes attempt to quickly mix and pour concrete around entry points or even build mini barriers—usually with poor results. Concrete doesn’t cure instantly, and by the time it’s hardened, the water’s already inside.
- Concrete needs at least 24–48 hours to cure
- Wet conditions and cold temperatures extend cure time
- Uncured concrete may dissolve or crumble in water
- It’s a waste of time, money, and effort under flood pressure
9️⃣ Waiting to Evacuate “Until It’s Really Bad”
This mindset is the most dangerous of all. Floodwaters can rise suddenly, especially near rivers or in low-lying areas. Roads become impassable fast, and emergency crews can’t always reach you in time.
- Most flood fatalities happen in vehicles during late evacuations
- Delayed departures mean fewer shelter options and longer response times
- You risk being trapped with no power, phone service, or medical access
- If officials say go, go early—not when it feels urgent
Floods don’t care about good intentions or improvised fixes. The difference between a close call and a disaster often comes down to planning ahead and not relying on what seems like a good idea in the moment. The tools and strategies that work are tested, waterproof-rated, and based on real flood behavior.
If you’re serious about protecting your property, your family, or your business, ditch the myths and prepare like it matters. Because when the water rises, the time for guesswork is over.
