Make Yourself Ready And Safe During A Flood

January 17, 2018
A black park bench sits partially submerged in floodwaters


Some parts of the United States experience floods more often than other areas in the country. If there is heavy rain, what can likely happen soon after is flooding. If you reside in a location that does not see flooding, do not let your guard down yet. You may experience flooding in the future.


Therefore, you need to prepare your family and home for flooding, no matter where you live. Being prepared can prevent accidents and damages to your belongings.


Terms You Should Know

  • Flood warning – It means flood will happen soon, or it is already happening.

  • Flood watch – It means flooding is likely to happen.

  • Flash flood warning – When this is the announcement, a flash flood is already occurring.

  • Flash flood watch – It indicates that a flash flood could occur.

If there is a flash flood warning or flash flood watch, then the situation is about to get serious and dangerous. It is not safe to stay on the lower ground since flash flood can bring about injury or worse, death.


When Evacuating Is the Best Option

You need to assess the situation if staying home or evacuating is the best approach to take. If you decide to evacuate, make sure that the roads you travel are not covered with water.


In fact, a moving water that is 6 inches deep is capable of sweeping people and vehicles downstream. If the moving water reaches 1 foot, then vehicles can potentially float. Find alternative routes if you encounter an already washed out road.


When Staying Home Is Safer

If you are choosing to stay home during a flood warning, avoid using electrical appliances. Unplug those devices and pieces of equipment that use electricity to prevent electrocution. Transfer your valuables and furniture items on the upper floor of your home. If your house is one floor only, place your valuables in a higher place. You cannot tell when flooding enters your property.


Store Important Supplies

You probably have limited or no access to running water and electricity during a storm. Prepare in advance. If you know there is an approaching storm and a flood warning, store food and water for the entire family.


Make sure you have the necessary items that are useful in emergency situations. Keep your candles, batteries, matches, flashlights, blankets, clothes, medicines and other essentials ready. Put them in a place that you can easily reach.


There are many things you can do to prepare yourself for a storm or flooding. If you want some protection or assistance after the disaster, buy the right insurance policy. At Brad Spurgeon Insurance Agency Inc., we work hard in making sure that our clients are well-protected with policies that they can afford. To learn more about how we can help you, please contact our agency at (409) 945-4746 or Click Here to request a free quote.

 
September 15, 2026
If you own a home in Texas City, you already know windstorm insurance isn't optional, and you've probably felt the sting of the premium on your renewal notice. Years of active hurricane seasons along the Gulf have pushed rates higher across the board, but that doesn't mean you're stuck accepting whatever number your ca
A damaged, peeling wall with dark mold growth
September 9, 2026
Mold has a way of showing up in Texas City homes when you least expect it, and Gulf Coast humidity doesn't make it any easier to avoid. Between hurricane-season moisture, everyday humidity, and the occasional leaky pipe or roof, it's one of the more common issues local homeowners run into, and also one of the more misu
September 9, 2026
Owning a home along the Texas Gulf Coast means living with a level of risk most inland homeowners never think twice about. Between hurricane season, hail storms rolling in off the Gulf, and the ever-present threat of flooding after a heavy rain, a homeowners policy here has to work harder than it does almost anywhere e
September 9, 2026
Most Texas City homeowners assume that if their house takes on water, their homeowners policy has them covered. It doesn't, and finding that out mid-claim is one of the most expensive surprises a Gulf Coast homeowner can face. Flood damage is excluded from every standard homeowners and commercial property policy in the
Home, homeowners, and flood policy comparison over a flooded house illustration
September 7, 2026
How Texas coastal homeowners actually get hurricane coverage: TWIA 2026 limits, the declination rule, WPI-8 certificates, named-storm deductibles, and the flood policy that pays for surge. Written by a Gulf Coast agent.
Flooded beach house on stilts with roof damage and insurance claim callouts about a Gulf Coast short-term rental
September 7, 2026
How to insure a Galveston, Crystal Beach, Surfside, or Port Aransas short-term rental: TWIA wind, NFIP flood, Fire & Liability policy, from an experienced local Gulf Coast Insurance agent.
August 25, 2026
Learn why TWIA requires WPI-8 certification, which Texas coastal homes need it, key exceptions, and what to do if your certificate is missing.
A smiling parent sits on a couch and lifts a happy young child
August 19, 2026
Kids explore everything, and that curiosity is part of what makes childhood fun — but it also means everyday spaces in your home can hide risks you might not think twice about as an adult. A few thoughtful changes around the house can prevent the kinds of accidents that send families to the emergency room every year.
A view of two suburban houses
August 17, 2026
It's a question we hear often in Texas City, especially once a tropical system starts showing up in the forecast: can I still get flood insurance now, or is it too late? The honest answer is that it depends on your policy type and timing, and understanding how flood insurance waiting periods work can save you from a co
An American Red Cross emergency kit with supplies like water, a flashlight, goggles, and a poncho for flood survival.
August 10, 2026
Living near the Texas Gulf Coast means flooding isn't a rare or distant threat — it's a real possibility every hurricane season, and sometimes even after a heavy afternoon thunderstorm. Whether you're right along the water or a few miles inland, knowing how to prepare, evacuate, and recover safely can make all the diff
Show More