Flood checklist

A short list to help you get ready for floods. It's based on Ready.gov, National Weather Service and FEMA guidance, not advice about any one home.

Before a flood
[ ] Look up your home's FEMA flood zone on FEMA's Flood Map Service Center. Floods happen outside high-risk areas too.
    Learn more: FEMA Flood Map Service Center https://msc.fema.gov/portal/search
[ ] Learn the difference between a flood watch and a flood warning.
    Learn more: Watches and warnings https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood-watch-warning
[ ] Sign up for emergency alerts from your parish or county.
    Learn more: How to get alerts https://www.ready.gov/alerts
[ ] Ask your insurance agent or company what your policy covers, including whether you have flood insurance.
    Learn more: About flood insurance https://www.floodsmart.gov/get-insured/buy-a-policy
[ ] Ready.gov says homeowners insurance usually doesn't cover flooding.
    Learn more: Protect your papers and money https://www.ready.gov/financial-preparedness
[ ] FEMA's FloodSmart.gov says a new National Flood Insurance Program policy usually starts 30 days after you buy it, with some exceptions. Ask your agent when a policy would start.
    Learn more: FloodSmart: buy a policy https://www.floodsmart.gov/get-insured/buy-a-policy
[ ] Keep important papers in a waterproof container. Make password-protected digital copies too.
    Learn more: Protect your papers https://www.ready.gov/financial-preparedness
[ ] Move valuable items to higher places in your home.
    Learn more: Flood safety https://www.ready.gov/floods
    Learn more: LA: Flood safety https://gohsep.la.gov/get-a-game-plan/disasters-and-emergencies/floods/
    Learn more: FL: Flood safety https://www.floridadisaster.org/planprepare/hazards/floods/
[ ] Learn how to turn off your home's power, gas and water. If you turn off the gas, only a qualified professional should turn it back on.
    Learn more: Turn off utilities https://www.ready.gov/safety-skills

When a flood watch or warning is issued
[ ] Follow your local National Weather Service office and local officials.
[ ] If local officials tell you to evacuate, leave right away.
    Learn more: Evacuation basics https://www.ready.gov/evacuation
[ ] Never walk, swim or drive through flood water.
    Learn more: Why flood water is dangerous https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood-turn-around-dont-drown
[ ] If you're trapped by flooding, go to the highest level of the building. Don't climb into a closed attic, because rising water can trap you there. Go on the roof only if you must, and signal for help.
    Learn more: What to do during a flood https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood-during

After the flood
[ ] Wait until local officials say it's OK to return.
[ ] Stay out of flood water. It can be dirty, hide sharp objects and carry electricity from downed power lines.
    Learn more: What to do after a flood https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood-after
[ ] Stay away from downed power lines. Don't touch electrical equipment if it's wet or if you're standing in water.
    Learn more: Power outage safety https://www.ready.gov/power-outages
[ ] Take photos of any damage before you clean up, for your own records.
[ ] If you have flood insurance, contact your insurance company or agent.
    Learn more: How NFIP flood claims work https://www.floodsmart.gov/recover/start-a-claim
[ ] For disaster help, check DisasterAssistance.gov and your local officials. Help may be available after some disasters.
    Learn more: DisasterAssistance.gov https://www.disasterassistance.gov/
[ ] Watch for fraud. Don't pay for repairs in full before the work is done. FEMA doesn't charge a fee to apply for disaster help. Report scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
    Learn more: Report a scam https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/

Sources: Ready.gov "Floods" and "Financial Preparedness"; NOAA National Weather Service flood safety; FEMA Flood Map Service Center and FloodSmart.gov; DisasterAssistance.gov; Louisiana GOHSEP; Florida Division of Emergency Management.
Information from US federal and state government agencies and from nonprofit organizations. KAVO360 is not affiliated with, endorsed by or approved by any of them. Last reviewed 2026-10-21.

General information only. KAVO360 isn't an emergency alert service and doesn't issue watches or warnings. The National Weather Service and your local officials are the official sources. Always follow local officials and evacuation orders.