Flash Flood Prep Checklist

Flash floods can rise in minutes. Use this checklist before heavy rain warnings in the US and Canada.

Outside your home

• Clear gutters and downspouts
• Extend downspouts at least 6 feet from the foundation
• Move valuables from basement floors to upper shelves
• Keep sandless flood bags or sandbags near entry points

Inside your home

• Test sump pump and keep a backup battery
• Store insurance papers in a waterproof pouch
• Know how to shut off electricity to basement circuits
• Identify the highest safe room if evacuation is delayed

Go-bag essentials

• NOAA weather radio or phone alerts enabled
• 72 hours of water and non-perishable food
• First aid kit and medications
• Phone charger and local evacuation map

After water recedes

• Do not enter flooded basements until power is off
• Document damage with photos for insurance
• Discard food that contacted flood water