If you live in Houston, you can probably remember the last time an area near you flooded, whether it was from a storm or a hurricane. 

This summer alone, Hurricane Beryl and the May derecho left homes flooded and destroyed. 

Whether you’re new to Houston or a longtime resident, it’s important to prepare if a flood ever occurs. Here’s everything you need to know about prepare.

How to determine if your house will flood

To determine if you are on a floodplain or near a body of water that could overflow, insert your address into FEMA’s flood maps to see if your area has flooding risks.

Houston-Galveston Area Council also has evacuation maps where you can see the route officials recommend for evacuation. But you shouldn’t evacuate your home until officials say so. 

How to prepare for a flood 

Similar to a hurricane, you want to prepare and make a plan before an actual flooding event occurs. 

Before a flooding event, make sure you know where to find up-to-date information, including news reports, weather reports, evacuation routes and the location of the nearest shelter. Establish a plan to communicate this information to each family member. Don’t forget to include pets in your plans as well. 

In your preparations, don’t forget to include home maintenance. Make sure gutters are clean from debris to prevent water from accumulating. 

For insurance purposes, take photos and videos of your home and valuables beforehand. It’s important for you to also store important documents in a safe and waterproof area. You can use plastic ziploc bags during this time. If your important documents are damaged or lost, there are ways to replace them.

You want to prepare similarly to a hurricane. Be sure to have portable chargers, extra batteries, or non-perishables in case you are flooded inside your home for a period of time. 

Be sure you also look into flood insurance sooner rather than later. 

Applying for flood insurance

Home insurance or renter’s insurance typically does not cover costs for water damage such as flooding. Not everyone is required to purchase flood insurance but you can purchase a policy directly from your insurance provider or through the National Flood Insurance Program. The program recommends you check annually with your agent to make sure your policy covers the right things. 

It’s important to note that policies typically take 30 days before it goes into effect. 

Each policy will differ on what is available to you in a flooding or water damage event. Be sure to check your policy beforehand if you want it to include coverage for hotel stays or spoiled food.

What to do during a flooding event

If a flood warning has been issued, find shelter right away. Ready.gov, a government-issued site that helps people navigate extreme weather events, recommends you do not swim, walk or drive through flooded waters. 

Ready.gov recommends you remain in your car if you are trapped in fast-moving water. If the car is overflowing with water, move to the roof of the vehicle. If you are driving, be sure not to drive over bridges with fast moving water as well. 

If you are trapped in your home, move to the highest point in your home aside from the attic. You do not want to be trapped in there. Move to the roof only if you need to signal for help. 

Returning to a flooded home

Make sure to listen to authorities for information on when it’s safe to return home. Do not drive unless it’s for an emergency. 

If you need to clean up, be sure to wear the appropriate clothing. Wear gloves, boots and a mask if you’re cleaning mold or debris. 

Keep an eye out for snakes or other animals that may have entered your home during the flood. 

If you return home, do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or you’re standing in water. 

Look out for financial aid opportunities 

If a disaster is declared, the Small Business Administration and the Federal Emergency Management Agency will open applications for financial aid if your home was directly impacted. 

In the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, the SBA opened disaster home and business loans if your home or business received damage. You can apply for assistance here. You can also still apply for FEMA’s disaster assistance online, too. 

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