In Houston, intense short-duration rainfall from storms frequently causes significant flooding. Floods can occur at any time of the year.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR A FLOOD:

• Listen to local officials and register for AlertHouston to stay informed.
• Have emergency supplies in place at home, at work, and in the car (blankets, water, extra clothing, first-aid kit, extra cell-phone charger, etc.) Visit our Preparedness Page for a full list of supplies for an emergency kit.
• Familiarize yourself with your watershed and what your home’s flood threat is with the Harris County Flood Control District.
• Make a Plan for your household, including your pets, so that you and your family know what to do, where to go, and what you will need to protect yourselves from flooding.
• Learn and practice evacuation routes, shelter plans, and flash flood response.
• Establish a primary and secondary meeting point in case of evacuation.
• Keep important documents in a waterproof container.
• Protect your property by moving valuables to higher levels and decluttering drains and gutters.
• Install check valves. Consider a sump pump with a battery.
• Have a flood insurance policy. Home insurance does not cover costs for water damage. For information on flood insurance, visit the National Flood Insurance Program or call 1-888-379-9531.

WHAT TO DO DURING A FLOOD EVENT:

• Visit the Houston TranStar Map to check for flooded roads. Do NOT travel when there are significant flooded areas on the roads.
• Turn Around, Don’t Drown! – Remember, just six inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
• Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters.
• Restrict children from playing in flooded areas.
• Check the Harris County Flood Warning System for rainfall amounts and water levels in bayous and major streams in real-time.
• Stay off bridges over fast-moving water.
• If you are trapped in your home, move to the highest point in your home, aside from the attic so that you’re not trapped. Move to the roof if necessary.

RETURNING TO A FLOODED HOME:

• If you evacuated, do not return until local officials announce it’s safe to do so.
• When cleaning a flooded home and debris, wear appropriate PPE (gloves, boots, mask, etc.) to protect yourself .
• Do not touch electrical equipment if it’s wet.
• Be prepared to be without utilities.
• Discard unrefrigerated food.
• Check our Recovery Page for FEMA assistance and resources.

FLOOD PREPARATION FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES:

• For emergency preparedness in ASL, visit the Disaster Resilience link or watch this FEMA video.
• Create a Personal Emergency Plan: Work with family or caregivers to develop a customized evacuation and communication plan.
• Prepare an Emergency Kit: Include essential medications, medical devices, allergy tags, and batteries (e.g., hearing aids, oxygen tanks, mobility aids).
• Modify the Home for Accessibility: Ensure that the home is safe and accessible for individuals with mobility impairments, including clear, easily navigable escape routes. Elevate or waterproof critical equipment like power chairs, scooters, and medical devices.
• Stay Informed: Use accessible communication channels (e.g., text alerts, visual alarms, or audio alerts) based on individual needs. Stay informed through weather apps or community emergency systems that cater to accessibility needs.
• Coordinate with Local Authorities and Services: Register for STEAR
• Practice Evacuation Drills: Include the use of necessary equipment (e.g., wheelchairs, walkers) in practice drills.
• Consider Transportation Needs: Arrange transportation options ahead of time if needed (e.g., METRO Lift, 311, or a friend/family member). Ensure that transportation vehicles are equipped for the specific needs (e.g., space for wheelchairs or oxygen).
• Prepare for Power Outages: Have a battery-powered backup system for essential medical equipment (e.g., CPAP machines, oxygen concentrators).
• Create a Support Network: Keep a list of emergency contacts accessible, including caregivers, neighbors, and local disaster relief organizations.

Visit HoustonOEM.org/Prepare for more preparedness information. For Flood Outlook, Watch, Warning and Advisory Criteria, visit the National Weather Service.