Flood Emergency Preparedness When You Live Alone

Floods can rise faster than you expect. When you live alone, advance preparation and a clear communication plan are your most important safety tools.

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Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster in the US — and just 6 inches of fast-moving water can knock an adult off their feet.

The Challenge

No one is home to help you move belongings, sandbag doors, or assist with evacuation.

Communication lines fail during floods, leaving isolated solo residents without emergency contact.

Delayed evacuation decisions when living alone can trap you in rising water.

Returning home after a flood exposes you to hidden electrical hazards and contaminated water with no one to help you assess the damage safely.

How I'm Alive Helps

Prepare a go-bag and know your flood zone and local evacuation routes before a flood happens.

Use I'm Alive to send a status check-in to your contacts at key points during and after a flood event.

Establish a pre-arranged shelter destination with a friend or family member so your I'm Alive contacts know where to find you if you evacuate and lose communication.

Before and During a Flood

Know whether your home is in a flood zone by checking local authority flood maps. If it is, consider flood barriers and document your belongings with photos for insurance. Prepare a go-bag with medications, documents, phone charger, water, and food for 72 hours. Keep it near the door so you can leave within minutes. Never walk or drive through floodwater. Turn around, don't drown — water depth and current speed are impossible to judge visually.

Communication and Recovery

Tell a trusted contact your evacuation plan: which route you will take and where you will shelter. Check in with them when you arrive safely. Use I'm Alive to send updates during a flood emergency. Your contacts can see your status without relying on phone calls that may not connect. After returning home, photograph damage before cleaning up for insurance purposes. Do not use electrical appliances until a qualified electrician confirms the property is safe.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I evacuate during a flood?

Leave immediately if local authorities order evacuation. If not ordered but water is rising, leave early — roads flood quickly and escape routes close fast.

What should be in a flood go-bag?

Water (3 days supply), non-perishable food, medications, copies of key documents, phone charger and power bank, warm clothing, and cash.

Is it safe to drive through shallow floodwater?

No. Just 12 inches of moving water can carry away a small vehicle. Never drive through flooded roads.

How do I protect my home before a flood?

Install check valves on pipes, use water-resistant materials in lower floors, elevate electrical systems, and use flood barriers or sandbags at entry points.

How does I'm Alive help during a flood?

You can send a quick check-in update to all your trusted contacts at once, letting them know your location and status without having to make multiple phone calls.