Flood Preparedness Checklist: Before, During & After a Flood
Floods are the most common and costly natural disaster in the United States. They can happen almost anywhere — not just near rivers — and can develop in minutes. This checklist covers what to have ready before a flood warning is issued, what to do when floodwater threatens, and how to safely return home afterward.
Last reviewed: 2026-03-01 · Based on Ready.gov, FEMA, CDC guidance
Before the Flood: Essential Supplies
Stock these before flood season or a warning is issued.
- Waterproof document bags / dry bags for important papers(2–3)critical
Protect IDs, insurance, passports, financial documents. Gallon zip-lock bags work as backup.
- Stored water (1 gallon per person per day, 3-day minimum)(3 gallons per person minimum)critical
Flood water contaminates municipal water supplies. You may not have safe tap water for days.
- Non-perishable food (3-day supply)(3+ days per person)critical
- Rubber or waterproof boots (ankle height or higher)(1 pair per adult)critical
Floodwater is contaminated with sewage, chemicals, and debris. Protect your feet.
- Heavy-duty waterproof work gloves(1 pair per adult)critical
For cleanup. Flood debris and standing water contain bacteria and sharp objects.
- Bleach or disinfectant (unscented, 5–8% sodium hypochlorite)(1 gallon)critical
For sanitizing surfaces and purifying water in a pinch (8 drops per gallon, let sit 30 min).
- First aid kitcritical
- Battery or hand-crank radiocritical
NOAA Weather Radio provides official flood warnings and updates when power is out.
- Battery power banks and charged devicescritical
Power will likely be out. Keep devices charged before storm arrives.
Home Protection
Reduce flood damage to your property.
- Know your flood zone and flood riskcritical
Check FEMA's Flood Map Service Center (msc.fema.gov). Know if you're in a flood zone.
- Review your homeowner's / renter's insurance policycritical
Standard homeowner's insurance does NOT cover flooding. Flood insurance requires a separate policy.
- Photograph valuable possessions for insurance documentationcritical
Store photos in cloud backup. Document serial numbers of electronics.
- Move valuables, documents, and electronics to upper floorscritical
Do this when a flood watch is issued — before you need to evacuate.
- Turn off electricity at main breaker before floodwater enters homecritical
Electrocution in standing water is a real risk. Never step in flood water with power on.
- Sandbags (if available)
Contact your local emergency management office — many provide free sandbags before major storms.
- Sump pump with battery backup
Electric sump pumps fail when you need them most. Battery backup is essential.
Evacuation Readiness
Be ready to leave quickly.
- Know your evacuation routes (at least 2)critical
Print local maps — GPS may not work. Know routes from home and work.
- Identify a meeting place and out-of-area contactcritical
All family members should know where to go and who to call if separated.
- Go-bag packed and ready to grabcritical
Include: documents, medications, phone charger, water, snacks, cash, change of clothes.
- Keep gas tank at least half full during flood seasoncritical
Gas stations may be closed or inaccessible after flooding.
- Know the location of official evacuation shelters
Check your county emergency management website. Many are pet-friendly or have separate pet areas.
During & After Flood Safety
Flood safety rules that could save your life.
- Never walk through moving floodwatercritical
6 inches of moving water can knock down an adult. 12 inches can carry away a small car.
- Never drive through floodwatercritical
Turn Around, Don't Drown. 2 feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles.
- Wait for official all-clear before returning homecritical
Floodwater hides hazards: downed power lines, weakened structures, contaminated water, gas leaks.
- Wear boots and gloves during all flood cleanupcritical
Floodwater contains sewage, chemicals, sharp debris, and mold.
- Document damage with photos before cleaning upcritical
Required for insurance claims. Don't move or discard damaged items until documented.
Detailed Guidance
The Turn Around, Don't Drown Rule
This rule saves lives every single year — and is violated every single year. - 6 inches of moving water can knock down an adult - 12 inches can carry away a small vehicle - 2 feet of rushing water can carry away most SUVs and trucks Why people ignore it: Roads look shallow, roads look familiar, urgency to get somewhere. What actually happens: Water hides road damage, dips, and debris. Moving water has enormous force. Swept-away vehicles are often not found until the water recedes. What to do: If you encounter a flooded road, stop and find another route. It is never worth it. Source: NOAA National Weather Service
Floodwater Contamination — What You're Really Walking In
Floodwater is not just water. It typically contains: - Sewage and human waste - Animal waste - Chemicals from roads, agriculture, and industrial sites - Gasoline, oil, and other fuels from vehicles and equipment - Sharp debris (broken glass, nails, metal) This is why protective gear matters. During cleanup: - Wear rubber or waterproof boots (minimum ankle height) - Wear waterproof gloves - Don't touch your face - Wash hands thoroughly with soap and clean water - Get a tetanus shot if you have cuts and haven't had one in 5+ years Throw away any food, including canned goods, that touched floodwater. The seams of cans are not watertight. Source: CDC
Renter's Guide to Flood Preparedness
Renters face unique challenges during floods: 1. You likely don't have flood insurance — consider a renter's policy that includes flood coverage. 2. You can't make structural changes (sump pumps, flood vents), but you can: - Elevate valuables and electronics off the floor - Use waterproof storage containers - Know your building's evacuation plan - Know where the main water shut-off valve is 3. Know your rights: landlords must address flood damage promptly in most states. 4. Document your belongings with photos/video stored in cloud backup. Source: Ready.gov
Official Sources
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Free Printable Checklists
Print-ready version of this checklist.