The short answer
When to Evacuate
If local officials issue a mandatory evacuation order, leave your home immediately. Do not wait to see if the water rises further. You should also evacuate voluntarily if floodwater is entering your home or surrounding streets, even without an official order. Rising water can move quickly and cut off escape routes.
Listen to a battery-powered radio or check official alerts on your phone for updates. Conditions can change rapidly. Flooding can occur from heavy rain, rapid snowmelt, or nearby river overflow in many regions. Always err on the side of caution.
What to Take with You
Grab your pre-prepared emergency kit on your way out. This kit should include essentials like water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, batteries, a basic first-aid kit, and important documents in a waterproof container. Take your cell phone and charger, and wear sturdy shoes and warm, waterproof clothing.
If you have a moment, secure your home by turning off utilities if it is safe to do so. However, do not risk your safety to retrieve belongings. Your life is more important than property. Only take what you can carry quickly.
- Emergency kit with food, water, and first aid
- Any necessary personal items and hygiene supplies
- Important documents in a waterproof bag
- Cell phone, charger, and backup battery
- A change of clothes and sturdy shoes
- Cash in small denominations
How to Leave Safely
Never walk or drive through floodwater. Just six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet, and one to two feet can sweep away most vehicles. Water can hide road damage, downed power lines, or deep holes. If your car stalls in water, abandon it and move to higher ground.
Follow designated evacuation routes if you know them. Avoid shortcuts, as they may be flooded. If you are on foot, use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you. Move to the highest possible ground, such as a hill or an upper floor of a sturdy building, if you cannot evacuate the area.
Where to Go
Go to a pre-identified safe location, such as a friend's or family member's home on high ground, a motel, or a public shelter. Listen to local news for shelter locations. Inform your out-of-town emergency contact that you are evacuating and tell them where you are heading.
If you cannot reach a shelter, go to the highest ground nearby. Avoid attics unless you have a way to break through to the roof, as rising water can trap you. Do not return home until authorities announce it is safe to do so.
After Evacuating
Once you are safe, contact your insurance company to start the claims process. Take photographs of any damage you can see from a safe distance if possible. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Keep all receipts for expenses like lodging and meals, as they may be reimbursable.
Do not re-enter your home until professionals or officials declare it structurally safe. Floodwater can weaken foundations and pose electrical and contamination hazards. Local water damage pros can conduct a thorough water damage inspection and begin the restoration process once it is safe.
- Contact your insurance provider to report the loss
- Document damage with photos from a safe distance
- Keep all receipts for additional living expenses
- Wait for official clearance before returning
- Arrange for a professional inspection for safety
- Check on neighbors when it is safe
Water damage does not wait
Call (253) 785-9361 any time, day or night, and describe what happened.
Call Now (253) 785-9361Frequently asked questions
What if I cannot evacuate before the water rises?
Go to the highest level of your home, preferably the roof if necessary. Take your emergency kit, a flashlight, and a whistle. Signal for help by waving a bright cloth or using the whistle. Avoid attics without an escape route to the roof.
Should I turn off my utilities before leaving?
Only if you can do so safely and quickly without stepping into water. Turn off electricity at the main breaker and gas at the main valve. If you are unsure or must wade through water to reach the shutoff, evacuate immediately instead.
How do I find out if my home is safe to return to?
Wait for official clearance from local emergency management. A professional water damage inspection is crucial to assess structural safety, electrical hazards, and hidden moisture before you reoccupy the home. Do not assume it is safe just because water has receded.
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