Flood Preparedness
Flood Preparedness
Cape Cod's coastal location makes flooding one of the region's most common natural hazards. Coastal flooding, storm surge, heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and hurricanes can all impact homes, businesses, roads, and public safety. Preparing before flooding occurs is one of the best ways to protect yourself, your family, and your property.
Barnstable County's Cape Cod Cooperative Extension Coastal Processes Program provides science-based resources on coastal flooding, erosion, floodplain management, shoreline change, and ways to improve community resilience across Cape Cod.
Explore the Coastal Processes – Flood & Erosion Program →
🌊 Know Your Risk
Determine whether your home, business, school, or evacuation route is located within a flood zone or hurricane evacuation zone before an emergency occurs.
📝 Make a Plan
Create a family emergency plan that includes safe places to go, routes to get there, emergency contacts, and plans for pets.
📻 Stay Informed
Monitor weather forecasts, emergency alerts, and official guidance before, during, and after flooding.
Before, During & After a Flood
Before Flooding
- Know whether you live, work, or travel through a flood-prone area.
- Review hurricane evacuation routes and sheltering options.
- Prepare emergency kits for your home, vehicle, and pets.
- Move important documents to waterproof containers.
- Get needed supplies before roads become unsafe.
- Consider flood insurance before flooding occurs.
During Flooding
- Follow your emergency plan and official instructions.
- Stay in a safe, elevated, dry location.
- Never drive through flooded roads.
- Avoid walking through floodwater whenever possible.
- Listen for emergency updates and evacuation instructions.
- Wash thoroughly if you come into contact with floodwater, which may be contaminated.
Evacuation Planning
Cape Cod has limited evacuation routes due to its geography. Depending on the emergency, local officials may recommend evacuating inland, sheltering with friends or family farther from the coast, or sheltering in place.
Know your options before a storm approaches and always follow instructions from emergency management officials.
After Flooding
- Return home only after authorities declare it is safe.
- Avoid downed wires, damaged roads, and unstable structures.
- Photograph damage before beginning cleanup.
- Contact your insurance company as soon as possible.
- Continue following drinking water advisories until officials say water is safe.
- Restock emergency supplies and review what worked in your plan.
Helpful Flood Resources
🗺️ FEMA Flood Maps
Search your address using FEMA's official Flood Map Service Center to determine whether your property is located within a flood hazard area and better understand your flood risk.
📱 FEMA App
Use the FEMA App to receive weather alerts, find preparedness information, and access disaster resources.
🏠 Flood Preparedness
Learn how to prepare your home, family, business, and pets before flooding occurs.
⚠️ Flood Safety
Understand flood watches and warnings, learn what to do during flooding, and stay aware of changing weather conditions.
Stay Flood Aware
Flooding can occur with little warning. Monitor weather forecasts, know your evacuation and sheltering options, and never drive through flooded roadways. Being prepared before flooding occurs is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family.
