Flood damage is not just bad luck. It is physics plus preparation. The homes that ride out high water best are the ones with fewer entry points, raised critical systems, and practiced owners. Use this list to stack fast wins with bigger upgrades, so each storm finds a tighter, higher, and smarter house.
The Top 30 Strategies to Flood Proof Your Home
Stack fast fixes with long term upgrades. Start low, seal tight, lift criticals, plan smart.
Openings and edges
Seal Low Entry Points
- Install backflow valves on sewer and sump discharge
- Use hydraulic cement on cracks at slab edge and stem walls
- Weatherproof threshold sweeps on exterior doors
Plumbing
Add Sump Pump With Battery Backup
- Primary pump sized for basin volume and head height
- Battery or generator backup to ride out outages
- High water alarm that texts your phone
Drainage
Extend Downspouts and Regrade Soil
- Downspouts discharge at least 6 to 10 feet from foundation
- Add splash blocks or buried solid pipe to daylight
- Grade soil away 1 inch per foot for first 6 feet
Utilities
Raise Appliances and Mechanical Equipment
- Elevate water heater, furnace, washer and dryer on platforms
- Move electrical panels and outlets above projected flood level
- Quick disconnects and drip loops on cords and lines
Backflow
Install Sewer Backwater Valve
- Stops municipal surcharge from pushing sewage into the home
- Cleanout access and annual test plan
- Coordinate with local permit requirements
Walls and floors
Use Flood Tolerant Materials Below Risk Elevation
- Cement board, closed cell foam, tile or sealed concrete on lower level
- Pressure treated sill plates and metal studs in high risk zones
- Removable wainscot panels for quick dry out
Openings
Flood Vents in Enclosed Areas
- Engineered vents to equalize hydrostatic pressure
- Install in crawlspace and enclosed garages
- Maintain clear paths inside and out
Landscape
Perimeter Swales and Rain Gardens
- Shallow swales move water to safe discharge points
- Rain gardens soak and slow peak flow
- Native plants with deep roots resist erosion
Hardscape
Permeable Drive and Walk Surfaces
- Pervious pavers or grid systems that infiltrate runoff
- Include underdrain to daylight if soils are slow
- Maintain with seasonal vacuum sweep
Supplies
Flood Kit and Go Binder
- Watertight bin with PPE, tarps, tape, sandbags and tools
- Binder with insurance, ID, prescriptions and photos of valuables
- Battery lights and phone power bank
Plans
Two Route Evac Plan With Rally Point
- Primary and backup routes that avoid low crossings
- Out of area contact and neighborhood check list
- Pet carriers staged near exits
Policy fit
Right Size Flood Coverage
- Review building vs contents limits and deductibles
- Schedule expensive items correctly
- Add temporary housing coverage where available
Discounts
Mitigation Credits and Elevation Certificate
- Get an elevation certificate to verify risk
- Submit mitigation photos and receipts for premium credits
- Compare NFIP and private options
Safety
Move Outlets and GFCI Up
- Raise receptacles above projected flood level
- Use GFCI on lower circuits
- Label main shutoff and train family to use it
Load paths
Anchor Fuel Tanks and Exterior Units
- Strap oil and propane tanks to concrete pads
- Anchor heat pumps and condensers above risk elevation
- Flexible connectors with drip loops
Trim and finishes
Swap MDF and Carpet Below Risk Line
- Use PVC or composite trim instead of MDF
- Replace carpet with tile, LVP or sealed concrete
- Area rugs that can be cleaned and dried
Flow control
Oversize Gutters and Add Leaf Guards
- Use larger downspout diameter where heavy rain is common
- Leaf guards reduce clog risk during wind and debris
- Seasonal cleaning schedule on the calendar
Barriers
Deployable Flood Barriers for Doors and Garages
- Panel systems or inflatable tubes for doorways
- Garage trench drain with removable threshold dam
- Practice install times before storm season
Storage
Raise or Relocate Valuables and Documents
- Waterproof totes on shelves above risk height
- Fire and water rated safe for essentials
- Cloud backup for photos and receipts
Street level
Clear Nearby Inlets and Report Clogged Ditches
- Adopt a drain on your block before storm days
- Use 3 point contact and safety gear
- Submit service tickets for blocked culverts
Dry out
Wet Vacuum, Cut Line and Airflow Plan
- Mark cut line at 12 to 24 inches above waterline
- HEPA air scrubbers and dehumidifiers sized to volume
- Moisture meter to confirm dryness before rebuild
Records
Photo Inventory and Pre Loss Video
- Walkthrough video of each room and major systems
- Serial numbers, purchase dates and receipts stored in cloud
- Update every 6 months or after upgrades
Site risk
Know Your Low Spots and Flow Paths
- Walk the lot during heavy rain to mark flow paths
- Note lowest doors and vents that take splashback
- Plan berms or edging where water turns toward the house
Storage
Raise Shelving and Add Quick Lift Blocks
- Keep bottom shelf 12 inches above slab
- Use plastic pallets for boxes and tools
- Hang bikes and small engines on wall racks
Condensate and intake
Protect Vents and Intakes From Splash and Debris
- Hoods or snorkels on low wall vents
- Rodent and debris screens that are easy to clean
- Keep clear zone around exterior units
Foundations
Check Perimeter Drains and Cleanouts
- Snake or flush footing drains before storm season
- Locate cleanouts and keep caps intact
- Camera inspection if backups recur
Edges
Skirting and Lattice With Breakaway Panels
- Use breakaway sections under elevated structures
- Ventilation maintained to avoid moisture buildup
- Mark reattach points for quick reset
Sealants
Marine Grade Caulk at Penetrations
- Seal hose bibs, cable entries, meter penetrations
- Use compatible sealant for siding type
- Annual inspection schedule
Power
Small Generator or Whole Home Transfer Ready
- Transfer switch and labeled circuits
- Fuel stored safely above risk line
- Test run monthly under load
Elevation
Raise Living Level or Full Home Elevation
- Lift critical living spaces above base flood elevation
- Combine with flood vents and utility relocation
- Explore grants and mitigation credits to offset cost
| Strategy | Cost level | DIY friendly | Time | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seal low entry points | Low | Yes | Hours | High |
| Backwater valve | Medium | No | 1 day | High |
| Raise appliances | Medium | Pro preferred | 1 to 2 days | High |
| Deployable barriers | Medium | Yes | Hours | High |
| Full elevation | High | No | Months | Very high |
