Atmosphere by The Weather Channel curates products and services for all seasons. If you buy something from one of our links, we may earn a commission. 

When flood warnings flash across your phone, it’s already too late to scramble for supplies. Unlike hurricanes that give days of warning, flash floods can develop in as little as an hour, turning neighborhood streets into rushing rivers and basements into dangerous traps.

Flooding is one of the most common natural disasters in the U.S., and the second leading weather killer (only behind heat). Whether you live in a designated flood zone or an area that "never floods," rising water doesn't discriminate, as Jonathan Erdman, senior meteorologist at weather.com, said, “Anywhere it rains it can flood - if it rains hard enough.” 

Power lines snap, dams fail and roads become impassable faster than you can say "turn around, don't drown." In fact, just six inches of water can prove to be deadly, and 12 inches of moving water can carry away a vehicle.

If you live in areas prone to flooding, we're highlighting a few essential supplies you may want to have ready, plus the recovery equipment you'll need after the water recedes and cleanup begins.

Critical Flood Safety Rules

Before and after a flood, there are a few critical safety rules to keep in mind. Find shelter right away at the first alert warning, staying off bridges and avoiding fast-moving water.

• Evacuate immediately if possible: It sounds simple, but if you have a chance to evacuate, leave before the roads flood. Once water reaches your ankles on a roadway, it's too late to drive safely. 
• If trapped at home: Move to the highest floor, but never into an enclosed attic where you could become trapped. Bring a hatchet or crowbar to break through the roof if water continues rising. Signal for help from windows or the roof.
• Never walk in moving water: Six inches of moving water can knock you down. 
• Avoid electrical hazards: Stay away from downed power lines which can electrically charge the water. Don’t enter a flooded basement or room where water may be in contact with electrical outlets or appliances. Turn off the electricity to prevent electric shock if it’s safe to do so.
• Water contamination: Assume all flood water is contaminated with sewage, chemicals and debris. Wash hands frequently and don't let children play in puddles or standing water.
• Use generators outdoors and away from windows: Generators can produce significant amounts of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides depending on the fuel type. Never run a generator in the house.

15 Flash Flood Emergency Supply Essentials

Having the right gear ready before and after flood waters rise could mean the difference between a manageable cleanup and a total loss. We’re breaking down a few specific product recommendations and what to look for when building a flood and severe weather preparedness kit.

Before the flood

1. Reliance Aqua-Pak Water Container

Price: $21.99 at Walmart (5 Gallon); $52.28 at Amazon (2-Pack; 7 Gallon)

Why you need it: Stackable up to three containers high when full, BPA-free. 

Emergency supply amount: Assume each person needs at least 1 gallon of water per day during a severe storm, and your supply stash should last at least three days.

2. Ready America 2-Person Emergency Kit 

Price: $82.99, was $109.99 at Amazon

Why you need it: Comprehensive 72-hour kit includes food, a water purification tablet, first aid supplies, emergency light sticks and ponchos in a backpack.

3. Quick Dam Flood Bags (6 Pack)

Price: $39.98, was $49.99 at Amazon and The Home Depot; $41.98 at Lowe’s (6 Pack)

Why you need it: Easier to deploy than traditional sandbags, these expand when they come into contact with water to create instant flood barriers. However, they cannot be used with salt water applications, as chemical reactions cause deflation.

4. Fenix LD22 V2 Compact LED Flashlight - 800 Lumens

Price: $65.95 at Fenix

Why you need it: IP68 waterproof rating with aluminum body and hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish. It runs on an ARB-L14-1600U2 battery ($12.95 at Fenix) for 800 lumens, or two AA batteries for 350 lumens.

5. FosPower NOAA Emergency Weather Radio

Price: $28.46, was $39.99 at Amazon

Why you need it: Emergency weather radio functions as a power bank (including crank lever and solar panel), LED reading light and flashlight, NOAA emergency weather broadcast access and AM/FM station.

6. The Good Stuff Document Holder

Price: $17.98, was $23.99 (cash bag); $19.98 (document bag); $34.98, was $39.99 (messenger bag) at Amazon

Why you need it: Protects important papers, photos and documents in a fireproof and water-resistant bag. It’s most ideal for leaks, rain and emergency sprinkler systems, but a complete submersion might not keep it totally protected. The company claims fireproofing is tested to withstand extremely high temperatures.

7. Portable Generators and Power Stations

We’ve discussed portable generators at length, because if you live in an area prone to a battering from severe weather (including floods, tornadoes and hurricanes), having a backup form of electricity is essential in the aftermath.

Be sure to check out some of our guides on how to pick the best option for your needs, including:

• Portable Generator Guide: Essential Backup Power During Severe Weather
• A Complete Guide: Top Portable Generators

Why you need it: Provides essential power for lights, phones and small appliances during extended outages.

Inverter Generator: Honda EU2200i 2200 Watt Inverter Generator

Price: $1,099 at Amazon

Fuel: Gas | Peak Wattage: 2,200 | Running Wattage: 1,800 | Weight: 47 lbs.

Outlets: 2 | Noise: 48-57 dBA | Runtime: up to 3.2 hours (rated load), 8 hours (25% load)

Dual Fuel Heavy Duty Generator: Westinghouse 12500 Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator

Price: $999 at Amazon

Fuel: Gas, Propane | Peak Wattage: 12,500 (gas), 11,200 (propane) | Running Wattage: 9,500 (gas), 8,500 (propane) | Weight: 210 lbs.

Outlets: 6 | Noise: 74 dBA | Runtime: up to 12 hours

Power Station: Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station

Price: $469, was $799 at Amazon; $499 at Jackery.com

Fuel: Electric, Solar | Peak Wattage: 1,500 | Running Wattage: 1,070 | Weight: 23.8 lbs.

Outlets: 6 | Noise: lowest 30 dBA | Runtime: Depends on usage

After the flood

8. 1/6 HP WaterBUG Submersible Utility Pump with Multi-Flo Technology

Price: $139 at The Home Depot

Why you need it: Removes standing water from basements and crawl spaces down to 1/16 in. of the surface. Top and side discharge adapters can fit a standard garden hose. Made from a sealed thermoplastic construction. 

However, some reviewers complain about clogging and overheating due to lack of automatic shutoff feature. 

9. DEWALT 10 Gallon Poly Wet Dry Vacuum

Price: $125.51, was $139.47 at Amazon

Why you need it: Heavy-duty suction (look between 5-6.5 horsepower) for water removal and debris cleanup with specialized wet pickup features. You’ll want a vacuum that supports wet, dry and blow features for your clean up jobs.

10. Waykar Dehumidifier (34-80 Pint Options)

Price: $158.34, was $175.99 (34 Pints), $245.99, was $269.99 (80 Pints) at Amazon

Why you need it: Prevents mold growth by removing humidity from flood-damaged spaces. Floor space area can cover areas between 2,000-5,000 sq. ft. spaces, according to the company, and comes with sensing technology to help detect frost build up. It supports manual and continuous draining options.

To learn more about how to pick the best dehumidifier for your needs, check out our complete guide on how they work.

11. TIDEWE Chest Waders (Adults) & HISEA Kids Chest Waders

Price: starting at $45.99 (TIDEWE), starting at $69.29 (HISEA) at Amazon

Why you need it: Waterproof protection for walking through contaminated flood water during cleanup.

It’s worth noting that these are generally ideal if you need something reasonably priced that doesn’t need to withstand constant use. The HISEA for kids consistently has good reviews for cold weather and waterproofing. The TIDEWE option is very inexpensive and some reviewers report struggling to find the best fit. A more quality pair of waders used for outdoor sports could cost you upwards of $600-800. 

12. 3M N95 Particulate Respirator Masks

Price: $23.98 at The Home Depot (10-Pack)

Why you need it: Essential protection against mold spores and airborne contaminants during flood cleanup.The three-panel design respirator is best for filtering airborne particles, but must be tightly fitted to the face. Those with beards may find the seal not as tight.

To learn more about N95 masks and how they work, check out our wildfire smoke protection roundup.

13. Concrobium Mold Control & Mildew Cleaner

Price: $41.97 at The Home Depot (1 gal.); $15.03 at Walmart (32 oz. spray bottle)

Why you need it: EPA-registered treatment that eliminates and prevents mold growth on flood-damaged surfaces without bleach or other harsh chemicals. It works by drying mold spores at the roots. The company claims its safe for use on drywall, wood, tile, grout, concrete, stone and metal. It can be used for water damage restoration or pre-treatment of building materials. 

14. Lasko High-Velocity Blower Fan

Price: $68.84 at Walmart; $79.99 at Amazon

Why you need it: Accelerates drying process to prevent secondary water damage and mold growth. Ideal for cooling, ventilating, exhausting and drying. Many reviewers used the Lasko fans to help dry out wet carpet and rugs.

15. UTARPit Blue Roofing Tarp

Price: $59.54 (12 ft. x 16 ft.) at The Home Depot

Why you need it: Rain protection for damaged roofs after a severe weather event but before a contractor can come out. It comes with self-adhesive and can be installed on multiple roof surfaces, according to the company.

Bottom Line

If you live in an area prone to flooding, especially urban areas with rapid runoff from paved surfaces, or hilly and mountainous terrain (like West Virginia), it’s important to have emergency safety equipment on hand. The “flash” in flash flood is no joke, and can sneak up on the unprepared in an instant.

Be sure to comment below to let us know what you keep stashed in your emergency kits.

Price accurate and item in stock at time of publish.