What to do before, during and after a flood

Intro Elapsed Time 0 Seconds [00:00]

Floods are the most common and widespread of all weather-related natural disasters. It can flood anywhere it can rain. Here are some tips from USAA and FLASH, Federal Alliance for Safe Homes, on how to stay safe. Description of visual information: [Title card: Flood Preparation; disclosure: In conjunction with Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH)] End of description.

Prepare Your Home Elapsed Time 17 Seconds [00:17]

On average, flooding causes more than 90 percent of disaster-related property damage in the U.S. each year. Here are some steps you can take before a flood to help protect your home: Description of visual information: [Help protect your home by following a few simple steps.] End of description.

• Turn off power and unplug everything.
• Elevate appliances above the expected levels of floodwaters on masonry, concrete or pressure-treated lumber. Just a few inches of water can permanently damage many appliances.
• Consider protecting the following:
  • Washer and dryer
  • Computers, routers and phones
  • Other electronics, such as televisions and cable boxes

Tips on Sandbags Elapsed Time 55 Seconds [00:55]

Sandbags can redirect up to two feet of water and debris if they're correctly filled, placed and maintained. Follow these instructions to help protect your home.

Filling:

• Fill sandbags one-half full.
• Use sand if available; otherwise, use local soil.
• Fold the top of the sandbag down and rest the bag on its folded top.

Placing:

• Stack no more than three layers unless you have a wall to use for support. You can also stack sandbags in a pyramid.
• Tamp each sandbag into place before starting the next layer.
• Clear a path between buildings for debris to flow.
• Lay a plastic sheet between the building and the bags to control the flow and prevent water from seeping through openings like sliding glass doors.

Maintaining:

• Sandbags deteriorate when exposed for several months. They may not be effective when needed if they're left outside for too long.
• Wet sandbags are very heavy. Use caution when lifting to avoid injury.

Be Ready to Go Elapsed Time 1 minute, 55 Seconds [01:55]

• Sign up for local weather alerts to monitor potential flood events in your area.
• Have “Go Bags” ready for your home that include nonperishable foods, medicine, water, an evacuation checklist and important documents.
• Have an evacuation plan ready for your family and pets.

Description of visual information: [Having a plan and supplies ready, will help you and your family stay safe.] End of description.

Did You Know Elapsed Time 2 minutes, 12 Seconds [02:12]

• More deaths are caused by flooding than from any other severe weather-related hazard.
• Six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet or cause you to lose control of your car.
• Two feet of water can sweep an SUV off a road or bridge.

Evacuation Safety Tips Elapsed Time 2 minutes, 27 Seconds [02:27]

• Flooded roads could have significant damage hidden by floodwaters. Never drive through floodwaters, on flooded roads or over flooded bridges.
• Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.

Description of visual information: [Follow these tips to help you stay safe.] End of description.

And always remember, we're here to help. Navigate to the bottom of this page to file a claim.

For more flood tips, check out the rest of the advice provided on this page: usaa.com/floodhelp.

End Elapsed Time 2 minutes, 57 Seconds[02:57]