The warning comes in—rising water is on the way. In that moment, every minute counts. You won’t have time to think, only to act. Whether it’s a flash flood or slow-rising surge, protecting your property before the water hits can mean the difference between a temporary setback and total loss.
Here’s what to do immediately when flooding is imminent to reduce damage and protect what matters.
1️⃣ Shut Off Utilities—Especially Electricity and Gas
Water and live current don’t mix. One of the fastest ways homes are destroyed (or lives endangered) is when water floods into live electrical systems.
What to do:
- Locate your home’s main breaker panel and shut off all power.
- If safe to access, shut off the main gas valve as well—flooding can cause gas leaks or lead to dangerous explosions.
- Unplug electronics and remove power strips—even if they’re elevated.
Tip:
Keep a flashlight near your panel if the power’s already out. Know in advance where your shutoff points are so you’re not scrambling.
Bonus protection:
Label your breakers and main shutoffs before storm season begins. It’s a 10-minute task that can prevent thousands in damage later.
2️⃣ Elevate and Relocate High-Value Items
Floodwater doesn’t need to reach the ceiling to destroy irreplaceables.
Start with:
- Electronics, appliances, and furniture: Move them to the second floor if you have one—or onto sturdy elevated surfaces.
- Important documents: Store birth certificates, passports, insurance papers, and medical records in a sealed plastic bag or waterproof container, and move them out of harm’s way.
- Family valuables: Photos, heirlooms, keepsakes—anything that can’t be replaced should be first in line to move.
Pro tip:
Use heavy-duty plastic bins with locking lids. They stack, float better than cardboard boxes, and provide quick grab-and-go storage.
Time-saving move:
Designate a “go shelf” or area where critical items are always stored high. That way, you’re not starting from scratch when the alert hits.
3️⃣ Block Water Entry Points as Best You Can
You can’t stop a flood—but you can redirect, delay, or minimize how much water gets in.
Quick defensive moves:
- Place sandbags at door thresholds, garage openings, and low windows.
- Use plastic tarps and duct tape to cover lower vents, cracks, and door seams.
- Stuff wet towels or rags into door gaps if you don’t have anything else—every bit helps slow the flow.
Materials that work fast:
- Sandbags or water-filled barriers (like Quick Dam or AquaDam if available).
- Plywood panels to brace doors from being pushed in.
- Garbage bags filled with water can act as makeshift flood barriers in a pinch.
Reality check:
These won’t hold back deep floodwaters, but they can delay intrusion long enough to protect floors, reduce cleanup, or buy you time to move valuables higher.
4️⃣ Move Vehicles to Higher Ground
Flood-damaged cars are often totaled—not just because of water damage, but due to contamination and electrical system failures.
Act quickly:
- Drive your car to higher ground immediately—before water makes roads impassable.
- Avoid parking under trees or power lines, which can fall during heavy storms.
- If you have multiple vehicles, prioritize the most valuable or hardest to replace.
Don’t wait until it’s too late:
A few inches of water can disable your car’s engine and brakes. If flooding is forecast within hours, don’t gamble—move it now.
5️⃣ Secure Outdoor Property and Anchor Loose Items
Floodwaters move fast—and they drag everything with them.
Secure or bring inside:
- Patio furniture, garbage bins, grills, garden tools, and toys.
- Propane tanks or fuel containers (these can float and become dangerous).
- Yard decor and loose landscaping materials like mulch or stones.
What to tie down:
- Sheds, trailers, and anything too large to move.
- Use heavy-duty straps, chains, or cinder blocks if necessary.
The goal:
Prevent flying debris, property loss, and damage to others during fast-moving floodwaters.
6️⃣ Take Photos for Insurance—Before Damage Happens
Most people think to document after the flood—but that’s too late for full coverage.
What to capture:
- Every room in the house, including closets and storage spaces.
- Major appliances, furniture, and electronics.
- Important outdoor features like fencing, driveways, garages, or toolsheds.
How to do it fast:
- Use your phone to walk through and record video with narration (“This is our living room TV, bought in 2023”).
- Upload to cloud storage immediately (Google Drive, iCloud, etc.).
Insurance adjusters will thank you:
Pre-flood documentation makes it easier to prove value and replacement needs later.
7️⃣ Prepare a Quick-Grab Emergency Bag
If the worst happens and you need to evacuate, you won’t have time to pack.
What to include:
- Medications, basic first aid, spare glasses or contacts.
- Flashlights, phone chargers (especially battery packs), bottled water, snacks.
- Copies of critical documents and some cash.
- Pet supplies if you have animals.
Pro tip:
Keep it near the front door in a waterproof tote or backpack. Don’t bury it in a closet—you might only have minutes.
Flooding doesn’t have to catch you off guard. With the right steps, you can reduce loss, protect your property, and give your family a far better chance at a smoother recovery.
Remember:
- Safety first—never risk your life for things.
- Every action you take before the water arrives makes a difference.
- Create a checklist and walk through it regularly—don’t wait for the warning to figure it all out.
You can’t stop the storm. But you can stay ready.
