This summer, flash floods have inundated cities and communities across the U.S., catching many off guard and causing billions in damage. And experts are warning that it’s far from over. 

While hurricanes are less frequent in June and July, activity typically ramps up in August, September, and October. With ocean temperatures warming and extreme weather patterns becoming the new norm, hurricane season is expected to intensify, and fast.

With this in mind, one critical question remains: Is your building flood-ready? Here’s how to prepare for a flood and stay safe in a world where flooding has become commonplace. 

1. Start with a Flood Risk Assessment

Before you can protect your building, you need to understand where and how it’s at risk. A professional flood risk assessment will:

• Identify entry points where water can infiltrate (doors, vents, underground parking, etc.)
• Evaluate elevation, drainage, and historical flood data
• Assess the risk level based on FEMA flood zone maps and other modeling tools
  

This step provides the blueprint for building your flood protection strategy. Without it, your flood protection efforts might be focused on the wrong areas, or you might not be adequately protected.

Not sure how to prepare for a flood? As flood experts, we always encourage starting with a flood risk assessment - it gives you a clear picture of your building’s vulnerabilities and how to protect them.

2. Invest in the Right Flood Protection Products

Once vulnerabilities are identified, the next step is installing physical flood barriers to protect your assets. Consider:

• Flood panels for doors, windows, and entry points
• Custom flood barriers for loading docks, garages, or stairwells
• Backflow preventers for sewer and drainage lines
• Waterproofing sealants for walls and foundation
  

These products should meet or exceed FEMA and ANSI/FM standards. 

3. Create an Emergency Flood Plan

Having flood protection products is only part of the equation - you need an organized plan when a threat arises. As flood experts, when we advise our clients on how to prepare for a flood, having a flood emergency plan is high on the priority list. 

A plan isn’t just for properties in high-risk zones - it’s a smart, proactive move for any property owner. Being outside a designated flood zone doesn’t guarantee safety, and when the unexpected happens, a well-thought-out plan can be the difference between minor disruption and major disaster.

A flood emergency preparedness plan helps ensure:

• A fast, organized response
• Clear roles and responsibilities for your team
• Protection of people, critical equipment, and infrastructure
• Faster recovery and minimized downtime

Take a look at our flood emergency plan template to get started.

4. Train Your Team

A plan is only effective if everyone knows how to execute it. Regular training helps ensure:

• Proper and fast installation of flood protection products
• Team confidence during high-pressure situations
• Fewer errors that can compromise your building’s safety
  

Annual or seasonal refreshers can make a huge difference when the next storm hits.

5. Have a Post-Flood Plan in Place

If water does breach your defenses, your next steps are just as important. One of the most overlooked aspects on how to prepare for a flood should is the post-flood plan, which should include:

• How to safely re-enter the building
• How to document damage for insurance
• Who to call for emergency cleanup and repair
• Steps to assess and improve protection before the next event
  

The goal isn’t just to survive the storm, but to recover quickly and get back to business.

Key Takeaways

Extreme weather isn’t rare anymore, it’s something we’ve come to expect. From surprise flash floods to full-blown hurricanes, the damage can be devastating if your building isn’t prepared.

The time to get ready is before the water shows up at your door.

Start with a flood assessment, get the right protection in place, and make sure you have a solid deployment plan. That way, when the next storm rolls in, you’re not scrambling and overwhelmed - instead, you’re ready to protect your building from devastating flood damage.