30-Minute Before The Flood Checklist

Record a slow video walkthrough of every room.Open closets, cabinets, drawers, garage, porch, shed, and storage areas.

Photograph high-value items.Electronics, tools, jewelry, appliances, furniture, instruments, equipment.

Capture serial/model numbers where visible.Do not spend all day. Get the obvious ones now.

Photograph the outside of the property.Grading, drainage, gutters, foundation, driveway, outbuildings, vehicles, and yard items.

Photograph basements, garages, and ground floors first.These flood first. Open every closet and cabinet down low — this is the inventory that matters most.

Back up photos somewhere off the phone.Cloud drive, email to yourself, or another trusted storage option.

Put insurance policy info in one place.Home, renters, flood/NFIP, auto, and agent/company contact info. Standard homeowners policies do NOT cover flood — verify yours now.

Gather IDs and key household documents.Driver licenses, passports, birth certificates, account records, titles, lease/mortgage info.

Save emergency contacts.Family, neighbors, doctors, pharmacy, veterinarian, utility companies, insurer.

Copy medication and medical-device details.Names, dosages, refill info, refrigeration needs, battery or power needs.

Put copies in a waterproof folder or bag.Also save digital copies where you can reach them if you leave home.

Move valuables off the floor and upstairs.Electronics, documents, photo albums, rugs, furniture — anything you cannot replace goes high.

Clear gutters, drains, and window wells.Give water somewhere to go that is not your house.

Move vehicles to high ground.Do this early — flooded roads strand cars fast. Never drive through moving water.

Bring in outdoor items that float.Trash cans, toys, patio furniture, grills — they become battering rams in moving water.

Take one final outside video.It may help show pre-flood condition later.

Confirm where everyone will be.Home, work, school, shelter, hotel, family, or evacuation destination.

Pack pet basics.Food, leash/carrier, medicine, vaccine record, tags, photo, bowls, litter or cleanup supplies.

Check prescriptions and medical supplies.Include glasses, chargers, batteries, refrigerated medication plan, and device power plan.

Write down one out-of-area contact.Someone outside the flood zone who can relay updates.

Charge phones, battery banks, and radios.Turn on low-power mode when needed.

Make a quick go-bag.Documents, meds, chargers, clothing, cash, keys, pet supplies, comfort items for kids.

Know two ways out.Plan more than one evacuation route — floodwater closes the obvious one first.

Know your evacuation trigger.If officials order evacuation for your area, follow the order. Do not wait to pack.

Charge phones, battery banks, and radios.Turn on low-power mode when needed. Sign up for local emergency alerts if you have not.

Start a flood log.Write down dates, water levels, calls, damage notes, photos taken, receipts, and claim communication.