• Know your area’s flood risk. To see what your flood risk and flood insurance premium might be, visit FloodSmart.gov, or call (800) 427-2419.
• Make a list of what you own, including furniture, clothing, and valuables.
• Fill out a family emergency plan. Write down important names and phone numbers for you and your family in case of an emergency.
• Have a go bag ready that you can grab in case you need to leave your home in a hurry.
• Learn the safest route from your home to high ground in case you have to evacuate. This should be part of your family emergency plan.
• Keep materials such as sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, and lumber on hand to help protect your home.
• Think about getting flood insurance. Losses due to flooding are not covered under a homeowner’s policy. Flood insurance is offered through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
• Be sure to review the Severe Weather Safety Guide (PDF) for more information.

ReadyPhiladelphia

Sign up for ReadyPhiladelphia, the region’s emergency text and email alert system. The alerts are free, but standard text messaging rates may apply.

If major flooding happens:

• Turn off all utilities at the main power switch. If required, close main gas valve.
• If you are wet or standing in water, do not touch any electrical equipment because it can cause electrocution.
• Fill bathtubs, sinks, and jugs with clean water in case you can’t use tap water. You can clean these containers by rinsing them with bleach.
• Bring outdoor lawn furniture, garbage cans, and other loose items inside the house or secure them outside.

• Check for structural damage before re-entering a building to make sure it is not in danger of collapsing.
• Turn off any outside gas lines at the meter or tank and let the building air out for several minutes to remove foul odors and escaping gas.
• Turn off the electricity in all flooded rooms.
• Watch for electrical shorts or live wires before turning off the main power switch.
• Do not turn on any lights or appliances until an electrician has checked the system for short circuits.
• Cover broken windows and holes in the roof or walls to prevent further weather damage.
• Take pictures of all damage and flood impacts. Keep receipts for all repairs if you intend to apply for disaster assistance or make an insurance claim.

Clean up safely

• Remove all water by mopping, pumping, wet vacuuming, or clearing drains.
• Clean and thoroughly dry all wet light fixtures. Don’t turn the electricity on until the fixtures are dry.
• Until the public water system has been declared safe, boil water for 10 minutes before using.

Throw out:

• Ceiling tiles, paper products, baseboards, and insulation that has been damaged by water.
• All drywall up to four feet above the floodwater line.
• Furniture that has absorbed water such as mattresses, sofas, and upholstered chairs.
• Medicines and food that touched floodwater.
• Perishable foods that have not been refrigerated for more than six hours.
• Frozen foods that have thawed.