The most common natural disaster in the United States is floods. And if you think your home isn’t at risk, think again. Over the past 20 years, 99% of counties in the US have experienced flooding. No home is truly safe. That’s why it’s so important to understand what flooding is, and how to prepare for, it no matter where you live.
This guide covers how floods form, how you can prepare when the water starts to rise, and what to do after the flood has passed.
Key Takeaways
- What is flooding? It’s when water covers land that’s normally dry. It can happen almost anywhere, not just near rivers and coastlines.
- Floods come in different forms, from slow-rising floods to fast-moving flash floods.
- Flood watches, warnings, and advisories each mean something different, and knowing the difference can help you react faster.
- Your flood zone plays a big role in your risk level and whether you need flood insurance. FEMA flood maps can show you if your area’s at a high flood risk.
- Standard homeowners’ insurance usually doesn’t cover flood damage, so you might need separate flood insurance to protect your home.
What is a Flood?
In everyday terms, flooding is water where it shouldn’t be. Flooding happens fast enough to cause damage. That could mean a river spilling over its banks, ocean water pushing inland during a storm surge, or rain falling faster than the ground can soak it up.
FEMA defines a flood as “a general or temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of 2 or more acres of normally dry land area or of 2 or more properties…” That water can come from overflowing rivers or tides, a sudden rush of surface runoff, or mudflow.
That definition matters, because in the insurance world “flooding” and “water damage” are two separate things. A pipe that bursts inside your home is usually categorized as water damage and should be covered by your homeowners policy. Storm surge or an overflowing creek, on the other hand, falls under flooding and often requires a separate flood insurance policy. That distinction can make or break your insurance claim, so it’s important to know the difference.
What are the Types of Floods?
Not all floods look and act the same. Understanding the type of flood headed your way will help you know how to prepare and act. According to NOAA’s National Severe Storms Laboratory, floods generally fall into five main types, each with its own causes and warning signs.
River Flood
A river flood happens when water rises above the riverbank. This can come from heavy rain tied to tropical storms, thunderstorms that linger over the same area, a mix of rain and melting snow, or an ice jam blocking the river’s flow.
Coastal Flood
Coastal flooding occurs when higher-than-normal high tides push water onto land near the shore. Heavy rain and onshore winds, which blow from the ocean toward land, can make coastal flooding worse.
Storm Surge
Storm surge is the abnormal rise in sea level along the coast, driven by a storm’s wind, waves, and low air pressure. It’s often the most dangerous part of a hurricane, and when it lines up with high tide, water levels can climb 20 feet or more.
Inland Flooding
Inland flooding happens away from the coast. It can build slowly, from days of steady rain, or strike fast from intense rainfall, an ice jam, or a dam or levee failure.
Flash Flood
A flash flood develops in six hours or less after heavy rain, and sometimes even faster. It can also happen without any rain at all, triggered by a sudden dam or levee failure. Because there’s so little warning time, flash floods are one of the most dangerous types of floods.
Flood Watches, Warnings, and Advisories: What’s the Difference?
A flood alert on your phone or a siren outside can be scary, especially if you’re not sure what it means. The National Weather Service issues four main flood alerts. Understand their differences, so you’ll know how to react when they come through.
- Flood Watch: Be prepared. Conditions favor floods, but it isn’t certain yet.
- Flood Advisory: Be aware. Flooding may cause inconvenience, but it isn’t expected to be severe.
- Flood Warning: Take action. Flooding is happening or about to happen.
- Flash Flood Emergency: Take action! Catastrophic, life-threatening flash flooding is either imminent or already happening.
Many people treat a flood watch and flood warning as the same thing, but they call for different responses. A flood watch means it’s time to get ready. A warning means it’s time to act now. You can learn more by checking out SERVPRO’s flood FAQs.
Flood Zones and Your Flood Risk
FEMA divides the country into flood zones based on how likely an area is to flood. High-risk zones, often labeled A or V on flood maps, carry the greatest chance of flooding. If you live in an A or V area, you’ll very likely have to carry flood insurance if you have a mortgage.
Moderate- and low-risk zones are labeled B, C, or X. Don’t think you’re out of the woods if you live in one of these zones. According to FEMA, about 25% of flood insurance claims come from these low-risk zones. That’s why it’s worth considering flood insurance no matter which zone you live in.
Not sure about your home’s flood risk? You can look up your property’s flood zone using FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center for free.
How to Prepare for a Flood
You can’t stop a flood from happening, but you can control how ready you are when one does. A little planning now can save you time, money, and stress later.
Here’s where to start:
- Know your flood zone and your area’s specific risks.
- Sign up for local emergency alerts so you get warnings fast.
- Build a flood kit with water, food, medications, and important documents.
- Know your home’s elevation and which rooms are most at risk.
- Consider buying flood insurance even if it isn’t required. Most policies have a 30-day waiting period, so plan ahead.
- Learn where your main water shutoff is and how to safely turn off your electricity.
- Keep copies of important documents and photos in a waterproof container or stored digitally.
What to Do During and After a Flood
Watching water rise around your home is frightening, and it’s easy to freeze up when you aren’t sure what to do next. But knowing your next steps ahead of time can help you stay calm and focused on keeping your family and home as safe as possible. It’s not enough just to know what flooding is. You need to know how to act.
During a Flood
Move to higher ground right away and stay off the roads if you can. Your life could depend upon it. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock an adult off their feet, 12 inches of water can carry away a car, and 2 feet of water can sweep away an SUV or truck.
If it’s safe to do so, turn off your power, and always follow instructions from local emergency officials.
After a Flood
Once the water has come and gone, resist the urge to immediately return home. Only go back when officials say that it’s safe. Once you’re back, document the damage with photos and video before you start cleaning up. Make sure to watch out for contaminated water. Contact your insurance company right away to start your claim.
From there, hire a professional water damage restoration team. They can help you dry out, clean, and repair your property safely.
Recover from Flood Damage with SERVPRO
Now that you know what flooding is and how to prepare when the water starts to rise, remember that knowledge is only the first step. If flooding does strike, SERVPRO is ready 24/7 to help. Our flood damage experts respond fast and can help guide you through the insurance process.
Find your local SERVPRO today and let us make it “Like it never even happened.”
FAQs
What Does a Flood Mean?
A flood means water is covering land that’s normally dry, often fast enough to cause damage. The National Flood Insurance Program defines it as a general and temporary condition where two or more acres of land, or two or more properties, are covered by water.
What Are the Types of Floods?
The National Severe Storms Laboratory organizes floods into five types:
- River floods
- Coastal floods
- Storm surge
- Inland flooding
- Flash floods
Each has its own causes, from overflowing rivers and high tides to heavy rainfall and dam failures.
What State Has the Most Floods?
Texas is the state that experiences the most flood damage each year. The Lone Star state’s long Gulf Coast and mix of river systems are a big part of why it has the highest expected annual flood loss in the country.
What is the Difference Between a Flood Watch and a Flood Warning?
A flood watch means conditions favor flooding, but it isn’t certain yet, so you should get ready. A flood warning means flooding is happening or about to happen, so it’s time to take action immediately.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Flood Damage?
In most cases, the answer is no. Standard homeowners’ insurance typically doesn’t cover flood damage. You’ll need a separate flood insurance policy, which you should be able to get through the National Flood Insurance Program.