National Preparedness Month 2025: Flood Emergency Plan for Hurricanes

Key Points:

Inland flooding is the leading cause of hurricane deaths in the U.S.

You don’t need to live near the coast to face flood risk.

A flood plan means knowing when to evacuate, where to go, and what to bring.

Intro: Why Water Is Everyone’s Risk

September is National Preparedness Month, and while the campaign covers all hazards — from cyberattacks to earthquakes — the hazard that touches the most Americans is water.

Flooding is the most deadly and underestimated weather threat in the U.S. Whether it’s storm surge on the Gulf Coast, inland flash flooding in Appalachia, or basement drownings in New York, flooding finds its way everywhere. Preparing for flooding also builds resilience against other disasters.

Why Is Inland Flooding the Deadliest Hurricane Hazard?

Even after a hurricane weakens into a tropical storm or depression, the rain doesn’t stop — and rain is what kills.

NOAA reports that inland flooding has become the leading cause of hurricane deaths, often striking far inland (NOAA PDF).
Hurricane Helene (2024) devastated Tennessee and North Carolina, with rivers running at double Niagara Falls’ flow (ETSU regional report).
Hurricane Harvey (2017) stalled over Texas, dumping more than 60 inches of rain — a U.S. record (NOAA).

👉 Key takeaway: Inland flooding is the #1 killer, not coastal wind.

Flooding Still Matters — Even If You’re Inland

For coastal areas, storm surge is catastrophic. But inland residents should care, too: surge can push seawater miles inland and destroy infrastructure in hours.

The National Hurricane Center says storm surge has historically been the single deadliest hurricane hazard, causing about half of hurricane deaths (NHC Storm Surge).
Katrina’s 2005 surge overwhelmed New Orleans’ levees — showing defenses can fail.

When Flooding Reaches Places You Don’t Expect

Hurricane Ida (2021) is proof that flood disasters don’t stop at the coastline.

After making landfall in Louisiana, Ida’s remnants drowned 11 New Yorkers in basement apartments (NYT Ida coverage).

👉 Lesson: Flooding can be just as deadly hundreds of miles from landfall.

FAQ: Making a Flood Plan

Q1: What should a flood plan actually include?
A good flood plan has four parts:

Awareness – Know your flood risk (check FEMA maps, local history, and whether your home or workplace has flooded before).
Communication – Decide how your household will stay in touch if phones or power go out.
Evacuation & Shelter – Identify routes out of your neighborhood and safe places to go. Know if you’ll need help getting out (seniors, disabilities, pets).
Recovery & Records – Have insurance, documents, and contacts ready for when the waters recede.

Q2: Why does it matter even if I don’t live near water?
Floods happen anywhere heavy rain falls. A quarter of FEMA flood claims are from outside high-risk zones.

Q3: How does a flood plan connect to hurricane planning?
Hurricanes bring multiple hazards (wind, surge, rain). A flood plan is your baseline. If you’re prepared for flooding, you’re halfway ready for hurricanes, too.

211: A Lifeline in Flood Disasters

When water rises, so do the calls for help — and that’s where 211 comes in.

What it is: 211 is a nationwide helpline, supported by United Way and local partners, that connects people to non-emergency disaster services.
How it helps in flooding:
- During hurricanes or flash floods, 211 can provide evacuation updates, sandbag distribution sites, and shelter information.
- In many states, seniors and people with disabilities can pre-register through 211 for transportation assistance in case of mandatory evacuation.
- After the waters recede, 211 connects survivors with FEMA registration help, cleanup volunteers, mental health services, and food or medication delivery.
Why it matters everywhere: Just like flooding, 211 isn’t only for the coast. Inland states use 211 to mobilize local churches, nonprofits, and county agencies when floods hit places far from landfall.

👉 Key takeaway: If you don’t know where to turn in a flood emergency, start with 211. It’s not a replacement for 911, but it’s a lifeline for resources, shelter, and recovery help when the unexpected happens.

Recap & Takeaway

Inland flooding is the deadliest hurricane hazard.
Storm surge remains the biggest coastal killer.
Flood risk extends to metros, mountains, and basements.
Preparedness means both evacuation and shelter-in-place planning.
Rapid intensification shortens decision time.

💡 Bottom line: If you’re prepared for flooding, you’re already halfway to all-hazards readiness.