Flood Readiness and Recovery

Objective

Reduce flood damage and keep people safe by acting before water rises, moving early, and recovering with proper decontamination.

Scenario (Example)

Example: 10–15 cm of rain forecast in 24 hours; river already high. Basement has a history of seepage. You may need to evacuate by evening.

Before (6–24 Hours Out)

1. Protect Utilities. Raise appliances off the floor. Shut off breakers to basement outlets if needed. Test sump pump and verify battery backup.
2. Barriers. Stack sandbags in a “U” with plastic sheeting toward water. Overlap seams like shingles. Keep doorways clear for exit.
3. Move Valuables. Elevate boxes and electronics. Put documents in waterproof bags.
4. Vehicle. Park on higher ground facing out. Keep the tank at least half full.
5. Comms & Routes. Check alerts; identify two ways out that don’t cross low spots.

During

• Leave early if evacuation is advised. Don’t wait for knee-deep water.
• Never drive through moving water. “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.” 30 cm can move a car.
• If trapped upstairs, move to the highest interior room; avoid attics without exits. Signal from windows with lights or bright cloth.

After (Recovery)

1. Safety First. Assume water is contaminated (sewage, fuel). Wear gloves, boots, and an N95. Shut power at the main before entering a wet area.
2. Document. Take photos/video before cleanup for insurance. Keep receipts.
3. Remove Water & Mud. Pump gradually (no more than 1/3 at a time to protect walls). Shovel mud; hose from clean to dirty areas.
4. Dry & Disinfect. Remove soaked drywall below the waterline. Run fans/dehumidifiers; disinfect hard surfaces with proper solutions.
5. Mold Clock. 24–48 hours is the window—get materials drying fast.

Real Example

A homeowner with a battery-backed sump kept water to 2–3 cm during a flash flood, saving the furnace. Because they parked on the street crown, the car stayed dry and became the family’s mobile power/comm hub.

Checklist

• Sump pump + battery backup tested
• Sandbags + plastic sheeting
• Work gloves, boots, N95, bleach/cleaners
• Photos of rooms for “before” reference
• Go-bags and evacuation route plan

Contingencies

• Water rising faster than pumps → cut power, grab go-bags, go to higher ground immediately.
• Gas smell or electrical arcing → evacuate and call utility from outside.
• No help for 24 h → conserve batteries; prioritize drying and documentation.

After-Action

Update grading and gutters; install backflow valves; raise outlets or appliances; keep sandbags staged before the next season.

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