Pre-Flood Preparedness Measures

These are measures that you can perform ahead of a flood, or before flood season.

Check Sump Pump

Annually, and before flood season, clean the sump pump and pit, and test the pump by pouring water into the pit.
Consider having a spare submersible portable sump pump.
Make sure the discharge hose delivers the water several feet away from the house to a well-drained area that slopes away from the house. If the hose outlet is too close to the house foundation or on flat ground, the water may simply recycle down through the house’s drain tile at the base of the foundation, or along the basement walls to the sump.
Don't run the sump pump water into a rural septic system because the water may saturate and damage the drain field.
In cities, don’t run the sump pump water into the sanitary system; it may overload the system and cause sewage backup, and such actions may also be illegal.

Move Valuables to Higher Locations

When you become aware that flood waters may enter your property, take irreplaceable items off the bottom shelves in the lower level of your home, and move to a second floor if available. These items may include:

Computers and backup discs
Family photo albums
High school yearbooks
Household inventories
Insurance policies
Personal videotapes
Tax records

Plug Basement Floor Drains

If flooding is imminent, and if your floor drain has a removable grid cover, a flexible rubber ball about 1-¼ times the inside diameter of the pipe can be wedged into the drain to create a tight seal. The pressure might be quite high so brace the ball securely with a length of 2 by 4 lumber against the ceiling. Hold a board or piece of plywood on the ceiling and slide the 2 by 4 against the bottom of the board to avoid damage to plaster ceilings.

For a suspended tile ceiling, remove ceiling tiles to get access to the ceiling joists. Span a 2 by 4 across the two joists and wedge the vertical 2 by 4 between it and the ball in the drain. Some hardware stores sell a plug that has a rubber center that expands to fill the pipe when the top and bottom metal plates are squeezed.

Cover Basement Floor Drains That Have Permanent Grid Covers

If your floor drain cover cannot be removed, place a partially inflated inner tube around the drain, and top it with a square or two of plywood (not particle board). The plywood must be larger across than the inner tube to cover it. Brace this in place against the ceiling with 2 by 4s, as described for the rubber ball in the drain. Be prepared for some seepage.

Plug Bathroom & Utility Drains to Reduce Flooding

Again, if flooding is imminent, unbolt toilets from the floor and plug the outlet pipes using the same procedure as for floor drains. Shower drains can be plugged this way too. Most washing machines and basement sinks have their drain connections about 3 feet above the floor so they may not overflow if the water doesn't get that high. If necessary, these drains can be disconnected and capped or plugged with braced rubber balls.

Move Snow Away from the House's Foundation

If the ground is sloped at least one inch per foot near the house, moving snow just 3 to 5 feet from the house will reduce problems. This should be performed routinely during the winter, or at least a few weeks ahead of spring run-off.

Contour Ground Surface to Keep Water out of Window Wells

Because windows can't withstand much pressure, landscape your property to build dams and contour the ground so water will naturally drain away from the house.

Ensure Roof Gutters and Downspouts Are in Place & Functional

As the snow melts, downspouts and extensions can carry the water away from the house. Using salt or a chemical can assist in melting the ice within the gutters, but may damage the lawn.

Prepare Appliances for Flooding

If flooding is imminent, shut off appliances at the fuse box or breaker panel and unplug them if possible. Put freezers, washer, dryers and other appliances up on wood or cement blocks to keep the motors above the water level. If high water is imminent and large appliances can't be moved, wrap them in plastic, and tie it in place with cord or rope. The water will still enter the appliance, but the plastic will keep much of the silt out, making cleanup easier.

Shut off Electricity

Shut off electricity to areas of the home that might flood. Even if floodwaters have not reached electrical outlets, the risk of electrical shock to someone entering a flooded basement is high unless all electrical breakers have been switched off, or electrical fuses unscrewed, disconnecting the electrical service to all motors and electrical appliances if flooding is imminent.

Do not stand in water and turn off electrical service. If the floor is damp but not flooded stand on a dry piece of wood or plastic crate, in addition to using a plastic or rubber pole or a piece of dry wood to flip the switches. Do not stand on a metal ladder or step stool! If floodwaters have already entered the home to an unsafe level, call the power supplier and have the electrical supply to the house disconnected. Taking these precautions will reduce the chances of electrical shock.

Identify a Central Point of Contact

Identify a central point of contact, like an out-of-town family member or friend. If family members get separated during an evacuation, each should get in touch with the emergency contact. Make sure everyone has the contact's phone numbers, and that small children have contact information on a necklace card.

Discuss Safe Emergency Procedures

Adults need to know where electric fuse boxes, water service mains and natural gas mains are located and how to turn them off if necessary.

Discuss the Situation with Children

Discuss the situation with children honestly and openly. Hiding the emergency situation from children will cause unnecessary stress. Answer their questions and be open, honest and caring. Emphasize the need to follow directions and stay with the family, a known adult or the school officials.

Information Gathering

Alerts and forecasts may, in most cases, provide up to 3 days warning of flooding conditions. Some events occur with no warning at all. Mobilizing for a flood will take all the time available. Generally, flooding can be anticipated if the conditions leading to an event are generally known. Gathering information and analyzing the flood threat is an important step in being ready for a flood event.

Weather information

Weather often creates flood events. Staying aware of current and forecasted weather allows for flood events to be anticipated, and responded to in a timely manner. The National Weather Service provides forecasts, watches, warnings, and advisories regarding climate, weather, and hydrologic conditions. Strategically placed Weather Forecast Offices provide this service across the nation, and the information is available through the internet, radio, TV, and other sources.

Discuss What to Do

Discuss what to do in case of a flood. As in the case of wildfires, flood evacuation routes must be identified, carefully planned, and practiced. Should the primary route be flooded, closed, or inaccessible, then alternative routes must also be considered. Climbing into the attic or refusing to evacuate is not an option.