Prepare for two different problems at the same time: keeping people and pets alive, and reducing damage to the building and belongings. Elevating a water heater or installing a check valve can limit losses, but no retrofit makes it safe to ignore an evacuation order or enter moving water. Follow local emergency instructions first; treat property protection as a supplement to evacuation and shelter plans.
Flooding can happen outside mapped high-risk zones. Ready.gov’s rule is simple: “Where it can rain it can flood.” Use official maps and alerts to understand your exposure, then work through the household, property, insurance and response steps below. The right construction project depends on your building, local flood conditions, applicable codes and whether you own or rent.
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1. Find out how your home could flood
Check maps without treating them as a guarantee
Enter your address in FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center to see the mapped flood hazard and base-flood information for your area. A map boundary is not a promise that land outside it will stay dry: rainfall intensity, drainage capacity, clogged infrastructure, storm surge, nearby waterways and changing development can all produce flooding. Ready.gov/FEMA states, “Where it can rain it can flood.”
Use the map as one input to a broader assessment. Ask your local emergency-management office about storm-surge zones, evacuation zones, road closures and repetitive flooding. Note whether the home is downhill from streets or adjacent lots, has a basement or crawlspace, relies on a private well, or has utilities located near floor level. Photograph the current condition of the exterior, basement, crawlspace and utility area; those records can help you identify changes and document a claim later.
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Subscribe to warnings and monitor them
Sign up for county, city and state emergency alerts, and keep Wireless Emergency Alerts enabled on your phone. During a threat, monitor the National Weather Service, local emergency management and official evacuation instructions rather than relying on social-media reposts. Keep a battery-powered or hand-crank radio available in case internet or cellular service fails. The Ready.gov/FEMA hurricane safety sheet also emphasizes receiving alerts and acting on local directions.
Identify the flood pathways
Walk the property on a dry day and look for low points, blocked drains, downspouts that discharge beside the foundation, garage thresholds, window wells, basement stairs and doors below grade. Inside, locate floor drains, plumbing cleanouts, the main electrical panel, furnace, water heater, fuel shutoff, water shutoff and any sump pit. Knowing these locations before an emergency makes it easier to shut off systems and explain hazards to responders or a landlord.
2. Make a household plan before the forecast turns serious
Write an evacuation and shelter plan
- Choose at least two destinations outside the threatened area, such as a friend’s home or an approved shelter, and confirm that each accepts pets if needed.
- Map more than one evacuation route. Bridges, coastal roads and low crossings can close quickly; follow the routes designated by local officials, not a shortcut suggested by a navigation app.
- Decide who collects children, older adults and pets, and how separated household members will reconnect. Give an out-of-area contact the plan and keep a printed copy.
- Plan transportation for anyone without a car, people with mobility limitations and animals in carriers. Arrange help before an order is issued.
- Set a trigger for leaving, such as an official evacuation order or a local instruction to move to higher ground. Leave immediately when authorities order it.
Include pets in every step. Keep leashes, carriers, food, water, medications, vaccination records and a recent photo together. Shelters may restrict animals to service animals, so identify pet-friendly alternatives in advance.
Assemble supplies for several days
Store supplies where they remain reachable if the ground floor floods, and keep a smaller “leave now” bag near an exit. Include drinking water and nonperishable food, prescription and over-the-counter medicines, first-aid supplies, flashlights, spare batteries, phone chargers and power banks, cash, sanitation items, infant or accessibility supplies, protective clothing and pet supplies. Rotate medicines, food, batteries and water before they expire.
Keep a waterproof document container with identification, insurance information, medical details, property records, contact numbers and copies of prescriptions. Ready.gov also recommends password-protected digital copies; save them in an account you can reach from a device that is not stored at home. Do not leave the only copy of a key record in a basement file cabinet.
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Decide what must be moved first
Make a short priority list for a warning: people and pets, medicines, documents, irreplaceable photographs, computers and other portable valuables. Label bins so another household member can move them quickly. Do not delay evacuation to save possessions.
3. Reduce water entry and interior damage
FEMA describes a range of measures, from routine maintenance to major construction. The following table shows what each action addresses and what to verify before doing it. None is a guaranteed barrier against hurricane flooding.
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| Measure | Primary exposure addressed | What to check before using it |
|---|---|---|
| Clear gutters, downspouts and drains | Rainfall pooling and entry around the roof or foundation | Clean before storm season and again when forecasts call for heavy rain; ensure downspouts discharge away from the foundation where local rules allow. |
| Sewer-line check valve | Floodwater or sewage backing up through floor drains and plumbing | Have the plumbing arrangement evaluated and maintain the valve; local requirements and installation access vary. |
| Water alarm | Early warning of water in a basement, utility room or low area | Place it where water will reach the sensor, test the alarm and replace batteries. |
| Sump pump with battery backup | Standing water entering a sump pit | Confirm that a sump system suits the site, test the pump and backup, and plan for discharge and battery maintenance. It is not a guarantee against widespread flooding or prolonged outages. |
| Sandbags, plywood and plastic sheeting | Temporary protection for selected openings or belongings | Buy or obtain materials before roads close; use only where local officials or building professionals say they are appropriate. They can fail, shift or redirect water. |
| Basement waterproofing | Seepage and some forms of groundwater entry | Diagnose the source first and use a qualified contractor; waterproofing does not make a basement safe for rising floodwater. |
| Elevate the furnace, water heater or electrical panel | Damage to susceptible utilities | Use a qualified professional, comply with electrical, fuel, plumbing and floodplain rules, and plan how equipment will remain accessible. |
| Elevate the building | Repeated or deep flooding of the structure | This is a major project requiring engineering, permits, financing and local review; it may be unsuitable for some buildings. |
These options come from FEMA’s hurricane property-protection guide and the Ready.gov floods guidance. The agencies do not provide a universal ranking or controlled test showing that one measure is best for every property.
Start with maintenance that prevents avoidable entry
Remove leaves and sediment from gutters, downspouts, yard drains and street-facing grates that you are responsible for clearing. Check that downspouts are connected and not dumping water against walls. Keep basement window wells and exterior drains free of stored items. Do not block public drainage channels or cover a drain in a way that sends water toward a neighbor.
Address sewer backup and sump failure
A sewer check valve can help stop reverse flow through connected drains, but it needs a suitable installation and maintenance plan. Ask a licensed plumber or local utility what device and access arrangement your system requires. If your home has a sump pit, test the primary pump by adding water gradually, confirm that the discharge line is open, and test the battery system. A backup pump or battery does not help if the pit, discharge route or battery is inaccessible.
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Protect belongings and critical equipment
Move valuables, electronics, chemicals, important records and furniture to a higher level or to a location outside the threatened area. Place removable items on upper shelves, not directly on a concrete basement floor. If utilities are in a flood-prone space, ask a qualified contractor whether elevation or relocation is feasible. Never improvise changes to gas, fuel, electrical or structural systems.
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FEMA lists plywood, plastic sheeting and sandbags as materials to stockpile. Obtain them before a storm, when supplies and transportation are available, and understand that they are temporary measures. A barrier can redirect water toward another entrance, increase pressure on a wall or fail when water rises above it. Follow local emergency-management instructions about where sandbags may be collected and placed.
4. Understand flood insurance before a storm
Ready.gov says standard homeowners insurance generally does not cover flood damage, and FEMA says most property policies exclude flood losses. Separate flood insurance may be available through the National Flood Insurance Program in participating communities or through private insurers. Coverage, deductibles, exclusions, limits, definitions of flood, basement treatment and additional living-expense provisions depend on the policy.
Ready.gov says flood coverage typically takes up to 30 days to take effect. That waiting period means buying a policy when a hurricane is already approaching may not protect against that event. Ask an insurer or NFIP representative well ahead of storm season:
- What counts as a covered flood and what water damage remains excluded?
- Are the building and contents insured separately, and are below-grade contents limited?
- What deductible and coverage limits apply to the structure, temporary housing, debris removal and personal property?
- When does coverage begin, and are there exceptions to the waiting period?
- What documentation, photographs and proof of ownership would be needed for a claim?
Keep the declarations page, policy number and claim contact in the waterproof document set and in password-protected digital storage. Do not assume that a flood map, mortgage requirement or neighbor’s policy describes your own coverage.
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- Maintenance free - no need to add battery fluid or distilled water
- Up to 40-hour protection (based on a 10% duty cycle) on the Basement Watchdog Big Dog (BWD12-120C+)
- Up to 48-hour protection (based on a 10% duty cycle) on the Basement Watchdog Special + (BWSP+) and Basement Watchdog Big Combination sump pump system (BW4000, CITS-50)
- Up to 80-hour protection (based on a 10% duty cycle) on the Basement Watchdog Emergency (BWE) and Basement Watchdog Combination sump pump system (DFK961, CITE-33)
- Runs various Basement Watchdog sump pump systems intermittently for days
5. Use a practical preparation timeline
During ordinary maintenance
- Review the FEMA map and local evacuation zones.
- Correct drainage, gutter and downspout problems.
- Ask a qualified professional about check valves, sump systems and utility elevation.
- Photograph rooms, equipment, serial numbers and high-value belongings.
- Buy or renew flood insurance early enough to account for its waiting period.
- Update the household, pet and medication plan and test alert subscriptions.
When a hurricane or heavy-rain threat is posted
- Read the latest official forecast and emergency instructions. Check whether your address is in an evacuation zone or under an order.
- Charge phones, power banks, batteries, medical devices and backup lighting.
- Bring outdoor furniture, grills, tools and loose objects inside or secure them as officials direct. Do not create a hazard while delaying departure.
- Move valuables and documents to higher storage, test water alarms and sump equipment, and place protective materials only where they are safe and permitted.
- Fill vehicle fuel tanks if you are not evacuating immediately, keep keys and documents together, and tell your emergency contact where you are going.
- Leave as soon as ordered. Take the planned routes and never drive around barricades.
Just before leaving or sheltering
If local officials tell you to evacuate, do not stay to finish property work. If no evacuation order applies and you are sheltering in place, keep away from windows, remain alert for rising water and be prepared to move to a safer location. Do not shut off utilities unless officials or a qualified professional instruct you and you can do so safely; never touch electrical equipment while wet or standing in water.
6. Stay alive during flooding
Never enter moving floodwater
Do not walk, swim or drive through floodwater, and do not drive around a barricade. FEMA’s 2025 flood hazard information sheet says six inches of fast-moving water can knock a person down and one foot of moving water can sweep a vehicle away. Water may conceal washed-out roads, open manholes, debris, live wires and contaminated material. Turn around and use the official route to higher ground.
Do not touch wet electrical equipment or electrical equipment while standing in water. If water is entering, move people and pets away from the hazard and call emergency services when possible. Do not use a generator, grill or fuel-burning appliance indoors, in a garage or near doors and windows; carbon-monoxide poisoning can occur even when an opening seems ventilated.
If water traps someone inside
Move to the highest level that remains accessible. FEMA advises against climbing into a closed attic, where rising water can trap a person; use the roof only if escaping is necessary and rescuers can see you. Signal for help and follow emergency-dispatch instructions. Do not attempt to cross a flooded stairwell or hallway simply because the water looks shallow.
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Wait for an official all-clear
Return only after local officials say reentry is safe. Roads, bridges, buildings, gas lines and electrical systems may remain dangerous after water recedes. If the home is damaged, ask authorities or a qualified professional whether it is structurally safe before entering.
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- 【Designed for Basement Flood Protection & Emergency Preparedness】: Protect your home from flooding during hurricanes, heavy rainstorms, and unexpected power outages. This sump pump battery backup system automatically switches from grid power to battery power, ensuring uninterrupted water removal and continuous basement protection. Ideal for homeowners in flood-prone areas and finished basement properties.
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Assume water and surfaces may be contaminated
Do not assume tap or private-well water is safe to drink after a flood. Check with the local health department or water utility for boil-water, testing or disinfection instructions. Keep children and pets away from standing water, mud, mold and damaged materials. Wear protective gloves, boots, eye protection and a suitable mask or respirator for the task; use professional remediation when contamination, mold, sewage or structural damage is beyond your training.
Document before discarding or repairing
- Photograph and video every affected room, exterior elevation, appliance and piece of personal property before major cleanup, if doing so is safe.
- Make a written inventory with approximate age, purchase information and serial numbers where available.
- Notify the flood insurer promptly and keep receipts for reasonable emergency expenses.
- Ask the insurer about inspection and adjuster procedures before removing materials, except where immediate action is required to prevent additional danger or damage.
- Follow FEMA’s recommendation to hire a qualified flood adjuster before attempting cleanup or repairs when that service is appropriate; verify licensing and claims procedures with local authorities and your insurer.
Preserve damaged materials for inspection when safe and permitted, and record who performed emergency work. Do not make permanent repairs based only on a verbal promise of coverage.
8. Special considerations for renters and landlords
Renters
Ask the landlord or property manager where shutoffs, electrical equipment and evacuation information are located. Request repairs for blocked drains, leaking roofs, broken window seals or nonworking alarms in writing. Do not install a check valve, relocate a water heater or alter walls without written permission and qualified professionals. Renters should consider coverage for personal belongings and additional living expenses because the building owner’s policy does not insure a tenant’s possessions; confirm the exact terms with an insurer.
Owners and landlords
Give occupants clear evacuation-zone, emergency-contact and utility-shutoff information. Maintain roofs, gutters, drainage, sump equipment and common-area alarms, and arrange qualified inspections for structural or utility-elevation work. Tell tenants which improvements are permitted and how emergency access will be handled. Building upgrades should comply with local floodplain, electrical, plumbing and permitting requirements.
9. Choose the next action by exposure and effort
| If your main concern is… | Start with… | Escalate when… |
|---|---|---|
| Rain entering through roof, doors or clogged drainage | Clear gutters and drains, correct downspout discharge, inspect seals and move contents higher. | Water still enters after maintenance, or openings require structural work; obtain a qualified building assessment. |
| Sewer backup | Ask a plumber about a sewer check valve and keep drains clear. | The system backs up repeatedly or requires excavation, backflow changes or municipal coordination. |
| Basement standing water | Test a sump pump, provide battery backup where suitable and install a water alarm. | Flood depth exceeds the sump system, power outages last, or groundwater pressure requires engineered waterproofing. |
| Damage to utilities | Identify the furnace, water heater and panel elevation relative to known flood levels. | Equipment is in a flood-prone area; use licensed electrical, plumbing, fuel and HVAC professionals to design relocation or elevation. |
| Repeated deep flooding | Discuss elevation, floodproofing and acquisition or relocation options with local officials. | The project affects structure, foundation, utilities or floodplain compliance; obtain engineering, permits and financing before work. |
Power-dependent equipment needs a power plan, and every measure needs maintenance. A battery-backup sump pump, water alarm or temporary barrier is useful only if it is installed correctly, tested and reachable when conditions deteriorate. The official guidance supports these categories, not a particular brand, model, performance guarantee or universal design.
10. Keep the safety rule in view
Property measures can buy time and reduce preventable losses, but they cannot remove the hazards of storm surge, fast-moving water, contaminated floodwater, electrical shock or structural failure. Keep alerts active, leave when ordered, avoid all floodwater and wait for official reentry guidance. For current checklists and source details, use Ready.gov’s flood guidance, FEMA’s 2025 flood hazard information sheet, the FEMA hurricane property guide and the Ready.gov/FEMA hurricane safety sheet.
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