Protect Your Property from Flash Floods

10/9/2025 NOTICE: Heavy rain from Tropical Storm Priscilla is expected in Southern California and Arizona starting Thursday, October 9, 2025, with an increased risk of flash flooding through the weekend.

Take critical steps now to prepare for heavy rainfall and reduce the risks of flash flooding. Tasks like effective planning, regular maintenance, and checking your drainage systems can protect your property and offer you peace of mind.

Prepare Your Property Now

Proper preparation can minimize damage and keep your property safe during severe weather. Focus on these important steps:

• Clear Water Pathways: Remove debris from gutters, downspouts, and storm drains to ensure water flows away from all areas of your property. Extend drainage channels if needed to prevent flooding or pooling.
• Seal Openings: Inspect and repair seals on windows, doors, roofs, and chimneys. Make sure chimneys have secure covers and no cracks to stop water infiltration. Apply waterproof sealants where necessary.
• Trim Trees and Vegetation: Cut back dead, weak, or low-hanging branches that could fall or break in heavy winds and rain, protecting structures and vehicles.
• Set Up Flood Protection: Stock sandbags or flood barriers to block vulnerable low spots on your property.
• Protect Outdoor Equipment and Valuables: Move valuable tools, machinery, and electrical systems to higher ground or secure them against water damage.
• Understand Mudslide Risks: If your property is near slopes or prone to mudslides, stay informed about risks and avoid those areas during storms, as multiple slides can occur.
• Prepare an Emergency Kit: Keep a ready-to-go bag with essentials like medicines, chargers, and important documents. The American Red Cross offers guidance on what to pack in your emergency kit. Maintain a checklist on your phone for quick packing.
• Plan Early Evacuation: If flooding is likely, evacuate promptly rather than waiting for official notices. Arrange safe care or transport for pets as part of your plan.
• Charge Devices and Stock Supplies: Ensure phones and flashlights are fully charged. Store enough food and clean water for several days.
• Have Emergency Contacts Ready: Keep phone numbers for local emergency services easily accessible for quick assistance.

What to Do During a Flood

Flooding can happen quickly and without much warning. Knowing what to do in the moment can help keep you and your family safe.

• Report Flooding: Notify your city or town if your property floods. This helps create a record for community response and future aid.
• Stay Safe Around Electricity: Avoid contact with electrical outlets or appliances in wet areas. If you need to turn off power, do so only from a dry and safe spot.
• Watch for Gas Leaks: If you notice that pilot lights have gone out, there may be a gas leak. Turn off the gas supply if it is safe to do so, and stay away from open flames or sparks.
• Move to Higher Ground: If water starts to rise indoors, move to an upper floor, attic, or roof. Bring essentials like your phone, flashlight, and some dry clothing.
• Avoid Floodwaters: Stay out of standing or moving floodwaters and never attempt to walk or drive through them. Even a few inches can be dangerous. Also, keep clear of downed power lines.
• Turn Around, Don’t Drown: If you see floodwaters on the road, do not attempt to drive through them. The safest option is to stay home during severe weather and flood watches.

After the Rain: Act Quickly

If you experience flooding, make sure the area is safe before entering and shut off power if possible. Document all damage for your insurance, including taking pictures and videos.

Contact a professional team offering 24/7 emergency response. Fast water extraction and professional structural drying and dehumidification are key to water damage mitigation. Immediate flood response can prevent further issues. Expert restoration teams manage all aspects of the cleanup, including advanced mold remediation, and can handle reconstruction to return your property to normal.

Read More: What to Do in the First 24 Hours After a Home Flood

Why Choose ATI Restoration

ATI Restoration delivers 24/7 emergency response, water damage mitigation, structural drying and dehumidification, mold remediation, and reconstruction across the nation, including areas prone to flash floods like Arizona and Southern California. Our local, certified teams handle every aspect of the process with care and professionalism, minimizing downtime and providing support from start to finish.

Call ATI Restoration at (800) 400-9353 or contact us online for prompt help with water damage, mitigation, or restoration.