How to Survive a Flood
Expert Tips from a Former State Floodplain Planner
In light of the major flooding events we’ve seen across the country this past year and this recent event in Texas involving and overnight summer camp, I want to share some essential tips for how to survive a flood—before, during, and after.
In case you’re new here, I spent five years working for the State of Virginia on flood prevention through federal, state, and local regulations, and assisted FEMA and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management with disaster response.
While many preparedness strategies overlap between disaster types, floods present some unique dangers. Here’s what you need to know:
Before a Flood: Prepare, Train, Pack
🏊♀️ Teach Kids to Swim
Drowning is the #1 cause of accidental death for children ages 1–4. Every child over 18 months should start learning how to swim—whether through official lessons or your own teaching. At the very least, they must be able to float and reach the side if they fall in.
From experience: it’s shocking how many young kids fall into water and do nothing—no splashing, no screaming, no effort to swim. One of my kids fell in and we luckily we’re right there and pulled her out within seconds… and then signed all my kids up for official swim practice.
To build real water safety, I highly recommend one season of swim team. Flood waters aren’t like pool water—they’re fast, filled with debris, and often toxic. Your child needs to be able to swim real freestyle strokes to get out quickly and safely.
👨⚕️ Get CPR and First Aid Certified
You never know when you’re going to need to perform CPR or other emergency procedures to save someone’s life.
🎒 Flood Emergency Kit: What to Pack
Store these items in a waterproof backpack or bin, ready to grab at a moment’s notice:
1. Water & Food
- 1 gallon of water per person per day (minimum 3-day supply)
- Non-perishable food: granola bars, pouches, canned goods
- Manual can opener
2. Important Documents
- Copies of IDs, insurance, medical info, and home deeds
- Emergency contact list
- Store in a waterproof pouch or dry bag
3. First Aid & Medications
- Basic first aid kit: antiseptic, tweezers, bandages, etc.
- Prescription medications (7-day supply)
- Over-the-counter meds: painkillers, antihistamines, anti-diarrheals
- Glasses/contacts and solution
4. Electronics
- NOAA weather radio (battery-powered or hand-crank)
- Flashlights and headlamps
- Extra batteries
- Fully charged power banks
- Solar-powered charger
5. Personal Items
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, feminine hygiene
- Moist towelettes and hand sanitizer
- Extra clothes and sturdy shoes
- Emergency blankets or ponchos
6. For Kids
- Toys, books, or games
- Diapers, wipes, formula or baby food
- Child-sized life jacket (if in a flood-prone area)
7. Safety & Tools
- Multi-tool or Swiss army knife
- Duct tape
- Work gloves
- Glow sticks
- Whistle to signal for help
8. Cash
- Small bills and coins—ATMs may be down
⚠️ If a Flood Warning is Issued
What To Do Immediately:
- Find safe shelter right away.
- Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters.
- Just 6 inches of water can knock you over.
- Just 1 foot of water can sweep your car away.
- Stay off bridges over fast-moving water.
Depending on the Situation:
- Evacuate if officials tell you to
- Move to higher ground or a second floor
- Shelter in place if evacuation is not advised
Staying Safe During the Flood
- Evacuate immediately if instructed—never drive around barricades.
- If you’re sick, call your provider and wait for instructions.
- Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, EAS, or local alerts.
- Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
- Stay off bridges over fast-moving water.
- If your car is trapped, stay inside unless water is rising—then get on the roof, not in the attic.
- If trapped in a building, go to the highest level. Only get on the roof if necessary. Do not climb into a closed attic.
🧹 Staying Safe After a Flood
- Return only when authorities say it’s safe.
- Avoid unnecessary driving.
- Wear heavy gloves, boots, and masks during cleanup.
- People with asthma, lung issues, or immune conditions should avoid entering moldy or water-damaged buildings.
- Keep children away from cleanup sites.
- Watch out for snakes and animals in your home.
- Turn off the power before touching wet electrical items.
- Stay out of floodwater—it’s often contaminated and may carry electrical currents.
- Use generators only outdoors, away from windows.
Final Thoughts
Floods are fast, dangerous, and unpredictable. But with the right training, gear, and awareness, you can dramatically increase your family’s safety and resilience.
If you found this helpful, consider subscribing or sharing with friends who live in flood-prone areas. And if you have questions about prepping, water safety, or emergency kits—drop them in the comments below!
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