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How Do I Create an Emergency Plan for Storm or Flood Events?

Last updated October 26, 2026

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The short answer

Assess Your Home's Risks

Walk through your home and note where water could enter. Check the basement, foundation cracks, window wells, and the roof. Keep a written list of these vulnerable spots so you can act quickly when heavy rain is forecast.

Consider your local climate, which can include cold snowy winters and warm humid summers. Snowmelt and summer downpours can both cause flooding. Knowing your specific risks helps you prepare for the most likely scenarios in your area.

Create a Family Communication Plan

Choose an out-of-town contact person who can relay messages if family members get separated. Write down each person's phone number and email address. Keep this list in your emergency kit and on your phone.

Designate a meeting spot outside your home, like a neighbor's porch or a street corner. Also pick a backup meeting place in case the first one is flooded or unreachable. Practice getting there with your household at least once a year.

  • Store emergency contacts in a waterproof container
  • Include local emergency numbers and your insurance company's claims line
  • Add contact info for local water damage pros for post-storm help
  • Update the list every six months
  • Share the plan with all household members

Prepare Your Home and Supplies

Assemble an emergency kit with flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, and a battery-powered radio. Include bottled water and non-perishable food for at least three days. Add blankets and a manual can opener.

Keep important documents like insurance policies, IDs, and property records in a waterproof, fireproof bag. Store them in an easily accessible spot. Also know how to shut off your utilities, including gas, water, and electricity, and write down the steps.

  • Flashlights with extra batteries
  • Portable phone charger
  • Copies of insurance policies
  • List of emergency contacts
  • Non-perishable food and water
  • Basic first aid supplies

Plan for Evacuation and Sheltering

Identify at least two evacuation routes from your neighborhood, avoiding low-lying areas that may flood. Know the location of local shelters, but also plan for staying with friends or family outside the affected area. Keep your car's gas tank at least half full during storm season.

If you have pets, plan for their evacuation too. Pack a pet carrier and food. For those with mobility challenges, arrange for help in advance. Practice evacuating quickly, grabbing your emergency kit and important documents as you leave.

Review and Update Your Plan Regularly

Your emergency plan should change as your home and family change. Review it before each storm season and after any major renovation. Update contact information, insurance details, and your home's risk list as needed.

Practice your plan with a drill, such as pretending a storm is coming and timing how long it takes to gather supplies and leave. This helps everyone remember what to do. After a real event, note what worked and what didn't, then adjust your plan accordingly.

  • Review the plan every spring and fall
  • Update contact numbers and insurance info
  • Replace expired supplies in your kit
  • Rehearse evacuation routes with your household
  • Adjust for new family members or pets

Water damage does not wait

Every hour counts once water gets into floors and walls. One call starts the response.

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Frequently asked questions

What should I include in my emergency kit?

Include water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, and a battery-powered radio. Add copies of important documents and cash. Keep everything in a waterproof container that is easy to grab quickly.

How do I protect important documents from flooding?

Store documents in a waterproof, fireproof bag or safe. Make digital copies and keep them on a secure cloud service or a USB drive. Place the originals in an easily accessible spot, not in the basement, to avoid flood damage.

What should I do after a flood hits my home?

First, ensure your safety by turning off electricity and gas if safe to do so. Then, document the damage with photos for your insurance claim. Contact the pros for help with cleanup and drying. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.

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