How Do I Create a Flood Preparedness Plan for My Home?

Begin by checking your home for low points where water might enter, like basement windows, door thresholds, and foundation cracks. Look at your yard's grading to see if rainwater flows toward the house. Wet winters can bring heavy rain, so plan for that season.

Identify what you value most inside your home, such as electronics, documents, and furniture. Move these items to higher floors or shelves if possible. Knowing your risk helps you decide what to protect first and where to store emergency supplies.

Your kit should include water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, and any medicines you need. Add important documents in waterproof bags, including insurance policies and identification. Keep the kit in an easy-to-reach spot that is unlikely to flood.

Also pack a change of clothes, blankets, and a phone charger. Consider adding a battery-powered radio for weather alerts. Check your kit twice a year, especially before the rainy season, and replace expired items.

• Water: one gallon per person per day for three days
• Non-perishable food and a manual can opener
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• First aid kit and medicines you take regularly
• Copies of important documents in waterproof bags
• Cash and a list of emergency contacts

Decide in advance where you will go if flooding affects your home. Choose a safe spot, like a friend's house or a community shelter, and share the plan with your household. Also agree on a meeting point in case you get separated.

Practice your plan with a quick drill, so everyone knows what to do. Keep your emergency kit near the exit you would use. If you have time before a flood, move valuables to higher ground and shut off utilities as planned.