Flood Preparedness Guide

Prepare Before The Water Rises.

The most critical decisions happen long before floodwaters arrive. Build your emergency plan, stock your supplies, and know your zone before it's too late.

Flood season active — Average preparation time is 48 hours. Most households are underprepared. Start today.
Step 01 — Self Assessment

Your Readiness Score

Check off what you've already done to see how prepared you actually are.

0%
Prepared
  • Emergency Supply Kit 72-hour kit with water, food, and essentials stored at home
  • Know Your Flood Zone Looked up FEMA flood map for your address
  • Evacuation Route Planned Two routes mapped and shared with family members
  • Emergency Contacts List Family, neighbors, shelter, and local authority numbers saved
  • Flood Insurance Active Policy in place; standard homeowner's doesn't cover floods
  • Important Documents Secured IDs, insurance, deeds in waterproof bag or digital backup
  • Signed Up for Weather Alerts NWS or local emergency alerts on your phone
Step 02 — Emergency Supplies

Build Your Go-Bag

Every household needs a 72-hour emergency kit ready to grab at a moment's notice.

1 gal/day
Drinking Water
3 gallons per person minimum. Store in sealed containers away from sunlight.
3+ days
Non-Perishable Food
Canned goods, energy bars, dried fruit. Include a manual can opener.
Full supply
Medications & First Aid
7-day prescription supply, bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, nitrile gloves.
2+ sets
Flashlight & Batteries
LED flashlight with extra batteries or hand-crank option. No flames near floodwater.
Emergency
NOAA Weather Radio
Battery or hand-crank radio for alerts when cell towers fail.
Waterproof
Document Copies
Passport, birth certificate, insurance, property deed in sealed bag or USB.
Per person
Sturdy Footwear & Clothes
Waterproof boots, warm layers. Floodwater carries contaminants — protect skin.
Charged
Portable Power Bank
10,000+ mAh. Keep charged. Used for phones, hearing aids, small devices.
Step 03 — Know Your Risk

Understand Your Flood Zone

FEMA designates flood zones based on probability. Your zone determines your urgency level and insurance requirements.

High Risk — Zone A/AE
Special Flood Hazard Area
1% annual chance of flooding (100-year floodplain). Federal flood insurance is mandatory if you have a federally backed mortgage.
  • Purchase flood insurance immediately
  • Elevate utilities above base flood level
  • Install flood vents or barriers
  • Know your evacuation route by heart
  • Keep go-bag at front door during season
Moderate Risk — Zone B/X
500-Year Flood Zone
0.2% annual chance of flooding. Insurance not required but strongly recommended. One-third of flood claims come from these zones.
  • Consider affordable preferred risk policy
  • Keep drains and gutters clear
  • Waterproof your basement
  • Store valuables on upper floors
  • Sign up for community alerts
Lower Risk — Zone C/X
Minimal Flood Hazard
Outside mapped flood plains. Still not zero risk — extreme weather events can flood anywhere. Basic preparedness is still essential.
  • Build a standard 72-hour go-bag
  • Know the nearest shelter location
  • Check your homeowner's policy limits
  • Keep important documents accessible
  • Stay weather-alert aware
Step 04 — Your Emergency Plan

Build a Family Plan

A plan that exists only in your head isn't a plan. Fill this out, print it, and share with every household member.

01
Identify Your Meeting Point

Choose two locations — one near your home, one farther away. Make sure everyone knows both addresses without needing their phone.

02
Assign Roles

Who grabs the go-bag? Who calls the out-of-town contact? Who is responsible for pets? Assign every role before the emergency, not during it.

03
Map Two Exit Routes

Plan primary and alternate routes from your home. Floodwater can block roads instantly. Drive both routes before you need them.

04
Designate an Out-of-Area Contact

Local lines get overwhelmed. A contact 100+ miles away can relay messages between family members when local communication fails.

05
Practice & Review Annually

Run a 15-minute drill once a year. Update the plan when family members, addresses, or phone numbers change.

Someone outside your region who can relay messages

Surge — Built for the hackathon. Data sourced from FEMA, NOAA, and Red Cross guidelines.
Emergency: 1-800-621-3362 or 911