Skip to main content

Flood Preparation

Prepare for a flood and limit flood damage with practical steps before, during and after high water.

Key Takeaways

  • To prepare for a flood: clean gutters and downspouts, move valuables and electronics to a higher floor, elevate major appliances on concrete blocks, disconnect electrical appliances, and turn off utilities at main switches if electrical systems may be under water.
  • During a flood: avoid contact with floodwater, don't touch electrical equipment if wet or standing in water, don't wade through moving water or drive into flooded areas, and follow evacuation orders early.
  • After a flood: wait for authorities to say it's safe, document damage with photos before cleanup, shovel or scrape mud before it dries, wash and dry major appliances completely, and let wood furniture dry outdoors (not in direct sunlight).
  • Standard homeowners and renters insurance policies typically do not cover flood damage from rising water — separate flood insurance is usually needed.

How to prepare for a flood starts with the basics: protect what you can, know when to leave and understand what your insurance may or may not cover. Flood prep can help reduce damage, but standard homeowners and renters policies typically treat flood damage differently than other water losses.

Quick takeaway: Flood prep starts before the water rises. Move valuables up, monitor local alerts and know that flood damage often requires separate insurance coverage.

How to prepare for a flood

How to prepare for a flood is to act early, before water reaches your home. If heavy rain is in the forecast, a few simple steps may help protect your property and make cleanup easier later.

  • Clean gutters and downspouts to remove debris.
  • Move as much as you can — including furniture, electronics, and area rugs — to a higher floor to prevent water damage.
  • If possible, place major appliances on concrete blocks above the expected flood levels.
  • Disconnect electrical appliances.
  • Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves, especially if the electrical system or outlets may be under water.

You may also want to gather important documents, charge phones and backup batteries, and review evacuation routes. For broader planning, learn how to use a flood zone map and if your home is in a flood zone.

Here's a quick overview of flood preparation steps:

Flood prep stepWhy it helpsWhen to do it
Clean gutters and downspoutsHelps water move away from your home more efficientlyBefore heavy rain begins
Move valuables and electronics higherMay reduce damage to personal belongingsAs soon as flooding is possible
Elevate appliances if possibleMay help protect major equipment from shallow floodingBefore water reaches the home
Review alerts and evacuation plansHelps you respond faster if conditions worsenDuring flood watch or warning periods

During a flood

If flooding begins, focus on safety first. What to do during a flood depends on local conditions, but in general you should avoid contact with floodwater and follow instructions from local authorities.

  • Don’t touch electrical equipment if you’re wet or standing in water.
  • If you have to leave your home, don’t wade through moving water or drive into flooded areas.

Even shallow moving water can be dangerous. If authorities advise evacuation, leave early rather than waiting for roads to become impassable.

What to do after a flood

What to do after a flood often starts with waiting until authorities say it’s safe to return. Once you’re back home, document damage carefully and begin cleanup as soon as conditions allow.

  • Listen to local authorities for warnings and other information.
  • Don’t wade through water.
  • Shovel or scrape mud off floors, furniture and walls before the mud dries.
  • Major appliances, such as refrigerators and stoves, should be washed and dried completely.
  • Let wood furniture dry outdoors, but not in direct sunlight.

If it’s safe, take photos before removing damaged items. That documentation may help if you need to report a loss. You may also find it helpful to review the homeowners checklist for water and flood damage cleanup and how to file a home insurance claim.

Does insurance cover flood damage?

Does insurance cover flood damage? Does house insurance cover flooding? Does renters insurance cover flooding? In general, standard homeowners and renters insurance policies do not cover flood damage from rising water. Separate flood insurance is usually needed for that protection.

That’s why flood prep should include reviewing your coverage before storm season. For more coverage context, learn more about flood insurance and whether home insurance covers water damage.

Get a flood insurance quote today

or call 844-395-4419

FAQs about flood preparation

Flood prep may include clearing gutters, moving valuables to a higher level, elevating appliances if possible, charging devices, and reviewing local evacuation routes and alerts.

During a flood, avoid walking or driving through floodwater, stay away from electrical equipment if you’re wet or standing in water, and follow directions from local emergency officials.

After a flood, wait until authorities say it’s safe to return, document damage if possible, begin cleanup carefully and contact your insurer if you think you may have a covered loss.

Standard homeowners insurance typically does not cover flood damage caused by rising water. Separate flood insurance is often needed.

Renters insurance also typically does not cover flood damage from rising water. Renters may need a separate flood policy to help protect their belongings.

It may, but usually only if you have flood insurance. Standard homeowners and renters policies generally do not cover flood damage from external rising water.

Also of Interest

Your Policy, Policy Declarations or Amended Declarations in effect on the date of loss is the primary source of reference for your coverage, coverage limits and deductible amounts.

This inclusion of non-Amica companies, products, services or statement herein (“Third-Party Content”) is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement by Amica Insurance. Policies, views, opinions or positions of Third-Party Content expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the policies, views, opinions or positions of Amica Insurance. Amica Insurance makes no warranties, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy and reliability of Third-Party Content.

This content may contain helpful tips, explanation and advice. Your use of this information is voluntary and may not be effective in every circumstance. Amica encourages you to use good judgment and put safety first.

For more information on our editorial process and content standards, take a look at our editorial guidelines.

AMIC-05-070228

Getting your quote has never been easier.

Let’s see what’s available in your area.

or call 800-242-6422