Flooding

Flooding is the most common natural disaster in the U.S.—and it doesn’t wait for warning. But with a few proactive steps, you can reduce risk, respond swiftly, and protect yourself, your loved ones, and your home.

Floods may:

  • Result from rain, coastal storms, storm surges, and overflows of dams and other water systems
  • Develop slowly or quickly - Flash floods can come with no warning
  • Cause utility outages, disrupt transportation, and damage buildings

Did you know? More than 20% of flood claims come from properties outside of the high-risk flood zone, and homeowners' and renters' insurance typically do not cover flood damage. Learn about your flood risk at FloodSmart.gov.

  1. Prepare Before an Incident
  2. Survive During an Incident
  3. Be Safe After an Incident
  4. Additional Resources
  5. Flood Watch & Warning Terms
  6. Portsmouth Storm Surge Information
  • Know Your Risk & Have a Plan.  Be aware of your flood risk - if you live somewhere that it rains, you could have flooding.  Check FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center - type in your address and see what your risk is. Know your evacuation zone for tropical weather events, too!
  • Get alerts! Sign up for Ports Alerts and make sure you have a NOAA weather radio so you’ll Flood Insurance Graphicknow quickly if flood conditions arise.
  • Practice your evacuation path and have a plan to shelter in place if it’s safer to stay where you are.
  • Build a Simple Emergency Kit. Pack enough water, non‑perishable food, medications, and essentials for at least a few days—especially if power, water, or gas may be disrupted.
  • Store important documents in a waterproof container, and keep digital copies protected.
  • Protect Your Property. Move valuables and critical utilities to higher ground or upper floors. 
  • Keep drains and gutters clear, and install check valves or a battery-powered sump pump if possible.