Agree on a household plan
Decide how household members will contact one another, where you would meet, and what pets or family members with additional needs would require. Identify local official alert channels before you need them.
Prepare the essentials
Keep important documents accessible, make copies of policy information, and plan for interruptions to power or water. Review supplies and medication needs. Charge essential devices when severe weather approaches.
Review your property safely
Ask an appropriate professional about drainage, backflow protection, sump equipment, and vulnerable utilities. The right measures depend on the property; they do not remove all flood risk.
Follow official guidance
During an event, follow local emergency instructions. A website report can be delayed or incomplete and should not be your only source of warnings.
National Weather Service: Before a Flood. Reviewed October 11, 2026.