When the water rises. Have a plan.
Flash floods, heavy rainfall and rising rivers. Here's how to prepare your home, protect your family and understand your insurance before the next Texas downpour.
Rain happens.
Flooding changes everything.
Texas is no stranger to a serious downpour. But when heavy rain overwhelms roads, rivers and drainage systems, conditions can turn dangerous surprisingly quickly.
The good news? A little planning now can help you make safer decisions when the water rises.
Think you're not in a flood zone?
Flooding isn't limited to waterfront homes. Intense rainfall, overflowing creeks and overwhelmed drainage systems can affect communities throughout Texas.
Fast and dangerous.
Flash flooding can develop rapidly after intense rainfall, especially in low-lying areas and near creeks.
When rivers overflow.
Prolonged rainfall can cause rivers and streams to rise beyond their banks and flood surrounding communities.
Too much water. Not enough drainage.
Heavy rainfall can overwhelm storm drains and flood roads, parking areas and homes.
When the Gulf moves inland.
Storm surge and coastal flooding can threaten communities along the Texas Gulf Coast.
Your flood map is a starting point.
FEMA flood maps can help you understand your property's mapped risk, but they don't capture every possible flood.
Check local flood history, nearby drainage and your community's emergency guidance, too.
Your flood-ready checklist.
A little preparation goes a long way. Start with these practical steps.
Identify higher ground, evacuation routes and somewhere safe to stay if you need to leave.
Include drinking water, nonperishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries and first-aid supplies.
Keep insurance policies, identification and other essential documents in a waterproof container. Store digital copies, too.
Remove debris so rainwater can drain away from your home as intended.
If flooding is possible, move important belongings and electronics to higher levels while conditions are safe.
Find out whether you have flood coverage and understand your deductible and policy limits.
Turn around.
Don't drown.
Floodwater can be deeper, faster and more dangerous than it looks. Never walk, swim or drive through flooded areas.
If you're driving
Turn around when you encounter a flooded road. Never drive around barricades or attempt to cross moving water.
If you're at home
Follow local emergency alerts and evacuation instructions. If rising water traps you inside, move to a higher level. Avoid entering a closed attic where you could become trapped.
If you're told to evacuate
Leave immediately using routes recommended by local authorities. Don't wait for water to reach your home.
Keep monitoring official alerts. Flooding can continue after the heaviest rain ends.
CHECK OFFICIAL WEATHER ALERTS ↗Give the water fewer ways in.
Some improvements can help reduce your home's vulnerability to flooding. The right choices depend on your property and local flood risk.
Keep water moving.
Maintain gutters, downspouts and drainage systems. Direct runoff away from your home where appropriate.
Think higher.
Consider elevating vulnerable equipment, such as water heaters and electrical systems, with qualified professional guidance.
Prevent unwanted surprises.
Ask a qualified plumber whether a backwater valve makes sense for your property.
Plan for outages.
Keep flashlights and backup batteries available. Never operate a generator indoors or near doors and windows.
Don't forget your home inventory.
Take photographs or videos of your rooms, furniture, appliances and valuable belongings. Keep a secure copy somewhere accessible after an evacuation.
The water receded.
Now what?
Wait until officials say it's safe to return. Floodwater and damaged buildings can remain hazardous long after the rain stops.
Stay away from downed power lines, contaminated water and unstable structures. Don't touch electrical equipment while standing in water.
Photograph affected rooms and belongings when it's safe. Contact your insurer before discarding damaged items.
Contact your flood insurance company and ask about claim documentation, deadlines and next steps.
Wet electrical systems, contaminated materials and trapped moisture may require professional inspection and cleanup.
Need help after a disaster?
Check whether federal disaster assistance is available in your area. Eligibility depends on the disaster declaration and your circumstances.
Oh yeah.
Flood insurance.
Here's something every Texas homeowner should know: most homeowners insurance policies don't cover damage caused by flooding.
Flood insurance is separate.
You can explore coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program or participating private insurance companies.
Coverage, pricing, exclusions and waiting periods can vary.
Don't wait for the forecast.
National Flood Insurance Program policies generally have a 30-day waiting period, with certain exceptions.
That means buying a policy when a storm is already approaching may be too late.
What about your car?
Comprehensive auto insurance generally covers flood damage to your vehicle, subject to your policy terms and deductible.
Hey Charley is independent, so we can help you explore available flood insurance options and understand how they fit alongside your homeowners coverage.
Rain happens.
Let's get you covered.
Not sure whether your home is protected from flooding? Let Charley help you explore your coverage options before the next Texas storm.
LET CHARLEY TAKE A LOOK →