Practical Guide: What to Do If Your Home Floods Due to Heavy Rain

Rain: Prepare ahead of floods

Act immediately and safely

Plan for recovery after the rain

Heavy rains can turn any home into a high-risk zone.

Knowing how to act not only protects your property but also the lives of your family.

Here are concrete, easy-to-apply tips organized into stages: prevention, action during flooding, and recovery.

Heavy Rains and Prevention Essentials

Rain: Prepare ahead of floods – PHOTO: Envato

2. Before the Water Enters: Key Preparation to Protect Your Home

Identify evacuation routes: Know exactly where to exit safely if water levels rise.

Assemble an emergency kit: Include a flashlight, batteries, first-aid kit, bottled water, non-perishable food, a portable charger, and important documents in a waterproof bag.

Unplug electrical appliances: Avoid short-circuit risks before water arrives.

Seal doors and windows: Use sandbags or improvised barriers to divert water.

Know your area: Stay informed about weather alerts and local risk levels.

2. During the Flood: Protect Your Family

Evacuate if necessary: If authorities order you to leave, do so without hesitation. Time is crucial.

Don’t walk through moving water: Water poured by heavy rains can be deeper and faster than it looks. Just 6 inches (15 cm) of water can knock you over.

Avoid driving on flooded streets: 12 inches (30 cm) of water can sweep away a car. Seek high and safe routes.

Turn off electricity if safe: Cut power at the main switch to prevent electric shocks.

Move valuables upward: Place important belongings on higher surfaces to reduce losses.

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3. Protect Yourself, Your Family and Your Home With Smart Decisions

Stay calm: Panic can lead to risky decisions.

Find a high point: Move to an upper floor or even the roof if water rises quickly—but only if it’s safe.

Don’t enter flooded basements: There’s a risk of structural collapse or electrocution.

Keep pets with you: Prepare a dry, safe space for them.

4. After the Flood: Recover with Caution

Don’t return without permission: Wait for official clearance if you evacuated.

Check for structural damage: Look for cracks or collapse risks before entering.

Avoid contact with dirty water: It may be contaminated with chemicals or sewage.

Take photos for insurance: Document damage to speed up claims.

Clean and dry quickly: Use fans and disinfectants to prevent mold.

5. Plan for Next Time

Prepare for floods and protect your home – PHOTO: Envato

Check your home’s drainage: Clear gutters and drains to reduce future risks.

Consider structural improvements: Think about investing in barriers or water pumps.

Update your family plan: Make sure everyone knows what to do and where to go.

Purchase flood insurance: Many standard policies don’t cover floods.

Acting with knowledge can make the difference between a tragedy and a manageable incident.

With these steps, you can reduce material damage, protect your loved ones, and plan for recovery.

Heavy rains are inevitable—but your preparation doesn’t have to be.

Do you already have a family plan to face flooding?

SOURCE: Ready.gov / FEMA: Flood Safety Tips / National Flood Insurance Program: FloodSmart.gov