15-Step Flood Prep Checklist

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• STEP 01 Critical

  Monitor flood watches and warnings

  Sign up for FEMA's Wireless Emergency Alerts and check weather.gov. Know your local flood zone and whether an evacuation order applies to you.
• STEP 02 Critical

  Deploy flood barriers at entry points

  Position water-activated barriers, sandbags, or Quick Dam products at doors, garage entrances, and basement window wells. Focus on ground-level openings first.
• STEP 03 Critical

  Test your sump pump

  Pour water into the pit to verify the float activates. Confirm the battery backup is charged and operational. A pump failure during a flood causes massive damage.
• STEP 04 Critical

  Elevate valuables and important documents

  Move electronics, documents, medications, and irreplaceable items to upper floors. Place furniture legs on blocks. Secure anything irreplaceable at least 18 inches off the floor.
• STEP 05 Important

  Clear gutters, downspouts, and drains

  Remove leaves, debris, and blockages. Confirm downspouts discharge at least 4–6 feet from the foundation. Clear any floor drains in the basement.

• STEP 06 Important

  Know your FEMA flood zone designation

  Visit FEMA's Flood Map Service Center (msc.fema.gov). Zone AE = high risk, Zone X = moderate-low. Even Zone X homes flood during heavy rain events.
• STEP 07 Critical

  Get flood insurance before storm season

  NFIP policies have a 30-day waiting period — you cannot buy insurance when a storm is approaching. Average cost: $400–700/year. Average NFIP claim payout: $52,000.
• STEP 08 Important

  Inspect and grade your property drainage

  Ground should slope 6 inches downward over 10 feet away from your foundation. Re-grade any areas where water pools near the house — this is the highest-ROI mitigation measure.
• STEP 09 Important

  Install a backflow valve on your sewer line

  Prevents sewage backup into basement drains when streets flood. Cost: $300–500 DIY or $1,500–3,000 professionally installed. Qualifies for NFIP insurance discounts.
• STEP 10 Recommended

  Seal foundation cracks and basement walls

  Apply polyurethane or epoxy injection to existing cracks. Not a complete flood barrier, but eliminates minor seepage pathways. Cost: $500–2,000 depending on severity.

• STEP 11 Important

  Elevate electrical panel, water heater, and HVAC

  Utility damage is often the most expensive part of a flood claim. Move equipment above expected flood line. Qualifies for insurance discounts. Cost: $3,000–8,000.
• STEP 12 Recommended

  Install polycarbonate basement window well covers

  Basement windows are a direct flood entry point. Covers + window well extensions add meaningful protection at low cost. Cost: $200–500.
• STEP 13 Recommended

  Install a French drain around your foundation

  A perforated pipe buried in gravel redirects groundwater before it reaches your walls. Highly effective for chronic wet basement issues. Professional installation: $3,000–8,000.
• STEP 14 Recommended

  Check for FEMA mitigation grants

  FEMA's HMA and BRIC programs fund 50–75% of mitigation costs. Contact your local floodplain manager (city planning/public works). Most homeowners don't know this funding exists.
• STEP 15 Recommended

  Document your belongings for insurance

  Walk through your home with your phone and record everything. Store video/photos in cloud storage (not just locally). Makes claims far faster and more accurate. Takes 30 minutes.