Fighting The Flood: How To Stay Afloat When Waters Rise

It’s easy to believe flooding is only a coastal concern, but floods can happen in every state, city, and neighborhood—yes, even yours. All it takes is a slow-moving spring storm overstaying its welcome before roads begin to look like ponds, and the creek that usually runs quietly begins to widen into a river.

Floods are both the most common and the most costly weather events in the U.S., making up 90% of all natural disasters. Whether you’re riverside or just roadside, flood risk can make an unexpected splash. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), 32% of National Flood Insurance Program claims occur outside high-risk flood zones.

Meanwhile, disasters are happening more frequently. As reported by the nonprofit Climate Central, a billion-dollar disaster struck the U.S. once every 82 days in the 1980s. Today, that has accelerated to roughly every 10 days. Last year, the U.S. experienced 23 separate severe weather and climate disasters, each causing at least $1 billion in damage, totaling over $100 billion in losses. Warmer oceans, heavier rainfall, rising sea levels, and rapid development are pushing more properties into harm’s way. This has caused high-tide flooding to increase anywhere from 300% to more than 900% in the past 50 years, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Know your risk before the rain arrives

FEMA encourages homeowners to “know your risk, take action, and be an example.” That starts with understanding how water might move around your home.

Ask yourself:

• Is my home near a body of water or in a flood zone?
• Does water pool in my yard after prolonged rain?
• Are storm drains in my neighborhood frequently overwhelmed?
• Is my basement below grade without a sump pump or backflow protection?

If you’re building or renovating in a flood-prone area, resilience is necessary, not just nice to have. Consider these mitigation measures:

• Elevate the structure two to three feet above the 500-year flood zone.
• Work with engineers who specialize in floodplain design.
• Choose flood-resistant materials below the base flood elevation.

Only 4% of homeowners carry flood insurance, according to FEMA, even though standard homeowners' policies typically exclude flood damage. Financial protection is often the most reliable safety net when the unexpected happens.

Protect your property: Practical prevention with powerful payoff

When it comes to flood safety, water will always follow gravity, but you can help guide its path. A few thoughtful upgrades can mean the difference between damp drywall and devastating damage.

Call in the professionals: Work with a civil engineer or floodplain management consultant to better understand flood risks for a new or existing home.

Grade with intention: Ensure the soil around your foundation slopes away from the home. Even a subtle pitch can keep water away from your structure.

Guard your gutters: Clogged systems can cascade into costly consequences. Keep gutters and downspouts clean and extend downspouts at least five feet from the foundation. French drains may also help push water away from the home.

Install a sump pump with backup: A water or battery-powered backup ensures your sump pump keeps working even if the power goes out during a storm.

Add a backflow valve: This device prevents sewage from backing up into your home during heavy rainfall—a messy and expensive problem FEMA frequently warns about.

Embrace absorbent landscaping: Rain gardens, native plantings, and permeable pavers allow water to soak into the soil rather than surge toward your foundation. Strategic plantings can be both beautiful and beneficial.

Consider resilient construction: Concrete-reinforced homes designed to withstand wind and water can add structural strength. Building above the 500-year flood zone for new construction, or raising the home above the base flood elevation, is an option. Homes engineered with resilience in mind may also qualify for improved insurance terms.

Plan for people, not just property

Protecting your home is critical. Protecting your family is paramount.

NOAA’s National Weather Service urges drivers to remember a simple, life-saving phrase: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.” Many flood-related fatalities occur when drivers attempt to cross flooded roadways. It takes only a small amount of moving water to sweep a vehicle away.

Before the forecast turns:

• Sign up for local emergency alerts.
• Develop a family communication plan and know how you’ll reconnect if separated.
• Identify evacuation routes and safe meeting points.
• Store important documents in waterproof containers or secure digital vaults.
• Prepare an emergency kit with medications, flashlights, batteries, bottled water, and nonperishable food.

Recovery begins before the storm

The best recovery strategy is one rehearsed long before the rain begins. Just a few inches of water can cause tens of thousands of dollars in damages. That may include flooring, drywall, electrical systems, appliances, and irreplaceable personal belongings.

After a flood:

• Avoid entering standing water until officials declare it safe.
• Document damage with photos and video before cleanup.
• Contact your insurance advisor promptly to begin the claims process.
• Dry and ventilate affected areas quickly to prevent mold growth.

A resilient response

We believe resilience is both structural and strategic. It’s grading and gutters, but also proactive guidance and tailored insurance planning. For more information on how to help protect your family and your property from flood-related losses, review our flood risk resources, and contact us to discuss your insurance options or request a homeowners quote.