Flood Safety Tips: Essential DOs and DON'Ts to Protect Your Family

Floods can develop quickly, leaving little time to react. Knowing when to evacuate, where to go, and what to avoid can help protect you and your family before, during, and after a flood. Here are the most critical flood safety tips to help you prepare before waters rise, stay safe during the surge, and navigate the aftermath effectively.

Safety tips for floods

What is a flood?

A flood occurs is an overflow of water onto normally dry land. 

Flooding can range from a few inches of standing water to conditions that completely submerge buildings and roads.

It is often caused by heavy rain, river overflow, storm surge, or failure of water control structures. ( Read more: What causes floods?)

A flood can submerge an entire building

Floodwater can create serious hazards, including strong currents, contaminated water, hidden debris, damaged roads, electrical hazards, and unstable buildings. 

These dangers can remain even after floodwaters begin to recede. 

Understanding the risks is an important first step in following effective flood safety tips.

Flood Safety Tips: Flood Watch vs Warning

A flood watch means flooding is possible and you should "Be Prepared". 

A flood warning means flooding is imminent or already occurring and you must "Take Action Now".

Take a look at this table to tell these two terms apart!

Understand more about flash vs flash flood in the article “What is a flash flood?”

Flood watch and flood warning

What to Do Before a Flood

A flood watch or warning has just been issued? Do not panic! 

Here’s what you can do to prepare for an upcoming flood:

✔️ Monitor flood alerts

Follow local weather alerts and instructions from emergency officials.

✔️ Know your evacuation route

Identify higher ground and plan where you will go if an evacuation is ordered.

✔️ Prepare an emergency kit 

Keep water, nonperishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, first-aid supplies, and important documents ready.

Full list of a flood emergency kit here!

✔️ Protect your home

Move valuable items to higher levels and use sandbags or other barriers if flooding is expected.

✔️ Secure outdoor items

Bring in furniture, tools, and other loose objects that could be swept away.

✔️ Charge essential devices

Fully charge phones, power banks, and other communication devices.

✔️ Protect important documents

Store documents and valuables in waterproof containers or elevated locations.

✔️ Plan for pets

Make sure pets have food, medication, carriers, and a safe place to go.

Stay alert before a flood

What to Do During a Flood?

When a flood is underway, conditions can change quickly. 

Knowing where to go, what to avoid, and how to respond to official warnings can help reduce the risk of injury and keep your family safe. 

Flood safety tips: DOs

When facing flooding, it’s crucial to stay safe and prepared. 

Here are essential flood safety tips to help you protect yourself, your family, and those around you:

✔️ Stay together and move to higher ground

Keep your family together and make sure everyone is accounted for, especially children, older adults, and people with disabilities. 

Move to higher ground or a designated shelter as soon as flooding threatens your area. 

Avoid waiting until water levels rise significantly, as roads and evacuation routes can become difficult or impossible to use. 

✔️ Follow official warnings and evacuation orders

Pay close attention to instructions from local authorities, emergency services, and weather agencies. 

Use a battery-powered radio, smartphone alerts, or other reliable sources to receive updates. 

If an evacuation order is issued, leave promptly and follow the recommended route rather than waiting to see how severe the flooding becomes.

✔️ Turn off utilities only if it is safe to do so

If authorities advise you to shut off electricity, gas, or water, do so only if the controls can be reached safely. 

Never enter standing water to reach an electrical panel or other utility equipment. 

If water has entered your home and electrical hazards are present, stay away and wait for qualified professionals or emergency officials to advise you.

For more power outage safety tips, avoid touching electrical equipment while standing in water, keep generators outdoors and away from doors or windows, and stay away from downed power lines. 

Treat any fallen or damaged line as energized and report it to the appropriate utility or emergency service.

✔️ Stay alert and monitor the ongoing situation

Continue monitoring rainfall, flood conditions, river levels, and official emergency announcements throughout the event. 

Check the weather for your location on Weather365 to keep track of current conditions, precipitation, and forecasts. 

Things you should do during a flood

Flood safety tips: DON’Ts

When facing flooding, knowing what actions to avoid is just as important as preparation. 

Following these key DON'Ts can help keep you safe and prevent further harm during and after a flood event.

❌ Don't enter, swim, or walk through floodwater

Even shallow or fast-moving water can be dangerous. Floodwater may conceal deep holes, debris, damaged roads, open drains, or electrical hazards.

❌ Don’t drive through floodwater 

Never assume a flooded road is safe because the water looks shallow. Turn around and find an alternative route.

❌ Don't touch contaminated floodwater unnecessarily

Floodwater may contain sewage, chemicals, bacteria, or other contaminants. Avoid contact whenever possible.

Electrical systems and gas lines may be compromised. Avoid using naked flames or smoking to prevent fire or explosions from gas leaks.

❌ Don't use damaged electricity/gas

Never use electrical appliances, outlets, or gas equipment that has been damaged by floodwater. 

Stay away from wet electrical systems and report suspected gas leaks or damaged power lines to the relevant authorities. 

Do not turn utilities back on until they have been inspected and declared safe. 

❌ Don't re-enter unsafe buildings

Do not return to a flooded or damaged building until local authorities say it is safe. Floodwater can weaken structures, hide debris, and create electrical or gas hazards. 

If you notice cracks, unusual noises, damaged walls, or a gas smell, leave immediately and contact emergency services. 

>>>>> Check Texas 7-day flood weather to make sure it’s safe! <<<<<

Things you should not do during a flood

What to Do After a Flood?

After a flood, stay cautious and avoid rushing back into affected areas:

✔️ Wait for official clearance before returning

Do not return home until local authorities confirm that the area is safe.

✔️ Avoid standing water

Floodwater may remain contaminated or hide dangerous debris, holes, or damaged infrastructure.

✔️ Check for structural damage

Do not enter buildings that appear unstable or have significant damage.

✔️ Be careful around electricity and gas

Stay away from damaged electrical equipment and gas lines. Have qualified professionals inspect systems before use.

✔️ Document property damage

If it is safe to do so, take photos and keep records of damage for insurance and recovery purposes.

Stay alert even after a flood

Wrap up

The most important flood safety tips is simple: never underestimate rising water. Monitor official warnings, prepare an emergency kit, know your evacuation route, and move to higher ground when instructed. Avoid walking or driving through floodwater, and wait for authorities to confirm an area is safe before returning.