What should you do during a flood? At first glance, the answer may seem straightforward: elevate valuables, gather essential belongings, grab your emergency kit, and evacuate if instructed. But in reality, those steps require quick judgement, clear priorities, and calm execution under pressure.

No matter how prepared you may be for a flood, panic can set in quickly when the water starts rising. Sirens, emergency alerts, and the sight of water creeping closer to your home can overwhelm even the most organized homeowner. In those moments, clear thinking becomes difficult, and that’s often when costly or dangerous mistakes happen.

As flood experts, one of our commitments is to spread awareness and information about the danger of flooding and what to do to minimize or eliminate devastating damage. Below are the top errors homeowners make during a flood, and what to do instead.

1. Waiting Too Long to Act

The mistake:

Many homeowners delay evacuation or preparation, assuming the water won’t reach their property.

Why it’s dangerous:
Floodwaters can rise faster than expected, especially during flash floods or storm surge events. Waiting too long can trap you inside your home.

What you should do instead:

• Monitor local weather alerts and emergency notifications.
• Follow evacuation orders immediately.
• Have a flood plan in place before storm season begins.

If you’re asking what should you do during a flood, the first answer is simple: act early, not late.

2. Walking or Driving Through Floodwater

The mistake:
Attempting to walk or drive through standing water.

Why it’s dangerous:
As little as six inches of moving water can knock a person down, and just one foot of water can sweep away a vehicle. Floodwater may also contain debris, sewage, and hidden hazards.

What you should do instead:

• Avoid flooded roads entirely.
• Follow the rule: Turn around, don’t drown.
• Stay on higher ground whenever possible.

No appointment or possession is worth risking your life.

3. Ignoring Electrical Hazards

The mistake:
Staying inside a flooded home without turning off utilities.

Why it’s dangerous:
Water and electricity are a deadly combination. Live electrical currents can flow through standing water.

What you should do instead:

• If safe to do so, shut off electricity at the main breaker before water enters your home.
• Never touch electrical equipment if you’re wet or standing in water.
• Do not return home until professionals confirm it’s safe.

4. Trying to Save Belongings Instead of Prioritizing Safety

The mistake:
Spending valuable time moving furniture, electronics, or personal items while water is actively rising.

Why it’s dangerous:
Flood conditions can shift quickly. You can become trapped upstairs or in a basement.

What you should do instead:

• Prioritize people and pets first.
• Keep emergency supplies ready in an easily accessible location.
• Protect belongings ahead of time by elevating valuables and installing flood protection solutions.

When thinking about what should you do during a flood, remember: property can be replaced - people cannot.

5. Underestimating Basement Flooding

The mistake:

Going into a flooded basement to retrieve items or check damage.

Why it’s dangerous:
Basements are especially hazardous due to electrical systems, gas lines, and the risk of structural collapse.

What you should do instead:

• Avoid entering flooded basements entirely.
• Wait until water recedes and professionals assess the area.

6. Not Documenting Damage

The mistake:
Beginning cleanup before documenting damage for insurance.

Why it’s costly:
Without proper documentation, your insurance claim may be reduced or denied.

What you should do instead:

• Take photos and videos of all affected areas before cleanup.
• Keep receipts for emergency repairs and temporary lodging.
• Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible.

7. Skipping Preventative Measures Before Flood Season

The mistake:
Only thinking about flood protection when water is already at the door.

Why it matters:
The best answer to what should you do during a flood often begins months earlier - with preparation.

What you should do instead:

• Install the FRA Flood Panel at entry points.
• Seal foundation cracks and improve drainage.
• Keep sandbags or water-filled barriers on hand.
• Review your flood insurance coverage annually.

Preparation reduces panic, and panic leads to mistakes.

What Should You Do During a Flood? A Simple Checklist

When a flood is happening:

1. Move to higher ground immediately.
2. Follow official evacuation instructions.
3. Avoid walking or driving through floodwater.
4. Shut off utilities if safe to do so.
5. Keep emergency supplies accessible.
6. Stay informed through weather alerts.

The most common homeowner mistakes during a flood stem from panic, hesitation, or underestimating how quickly conditions can change. By clearly understanding what should you do during a flood before an emergency happens, you position yourself to respond with confidence instead of fear. 

Preparation, awareness, and fast, decisive action can protect your family, minimize property damage, and help you recover far more quickly once the water recedes.