Preparing Your Home for Flooding

Flood Resources for Homes, Buildings, Farms or Ranches

Preparing a Home Which Will be Flooded - Kenneth Hellevang, North Dakota State University

Steps should be taken to minimize damage to homes in the path of floodwaters. Clean-up will be easier and less costly if the following measures are taken.

Specifically for farms or ranches:

  • Move machinery, feed, grain, fuel and agricultural chemicals, such as pesticides and herbicides, to higher ground.
  • Move motors and portable electric equipment to a dry location if possible.
  • Anchor fuel and other tanks to keep them from moving with the floodwaters.
  • Determine whether underground tanks are engineered to keep them from lifting out of the ground if the contents are lighter than water.
  • Turn off electrical power to all buildings that could flood.
  • Keep an inventory of livestock and property such as machinery and equipment.
  • Prepare a list of hazardous or potentially hazardous substances.
  • Move livestock to higher ground and be sure you have access to feed.
  • If you have dairy cattle, develop plans for moving your cows to temporary milking facilities and learn about emergency milk pick-up services available in your area.
  • Place riprap on the banks of earthen manure storage areas where flowing water may erode berms.

Reduce Water and Flood Damage in Home

Preventing Flood Damage - Existing Home - Louisiana State University - AgCenter

General Tips for Reducing Flood and Water Damage Inside the Home (PDF file, 74KB) - Iowa State University Extension

Steps to Reduce Flood and Water Damage (PDF file, 51KB) - Iowa State University Extension

Electric Units Require Care (PDF file, 8KB) - Iowa State University Extension

Basements May Flood if Drainage is Poor (PDF file, 9KB) - Iowa State University Extension

Managing Risks (PDF file, 92KB) - Iowa State University Extension