The 5-Minute Fall Flood Check Every Homeowner Needs Right Now

Depending on what region you live in, the risk of floods may be a real problem for you, especially in the colder months. Heavy rain can feel like it's come out of nowhere, so it's best to be prepared.

While you can track rain patterns on weather apps and from regional news, it's a much better idea to get ahead of the weather entirely. Instead, you should be doing any prep work before you're faced with flood warnings and predictions of heavy rain. Fortunately, a quick 5-minute fall flood checklist can help you prepare your home, preventing damage that takes much longer to resolve.

1. Clear Gutters and Downspouts

Fall is the prime season for gutters and downspouts to get clogged up. Falling leaves combined with extra rain create the ultimate mulch that easily blocks drainage areas, which also serves as an ideal breeding ground for moss.

Grab a sturdy ladder—using a spotter or stabilizer—along with a pair of gloves and a bucket, and clear out all packed debris, leaves, and moss. You should aim to do this once or twice during the autumn season, particularly around November and December when most trees have dropped their leaves.

2. Trim Down Nearby Trees and Shrubs

Overgrown trees and shrubs near your property line can shed massive amounts of foliage directly onto your roof, ground, and into your gutters. This accumulation not only burdens your drainage system but can also clog exterior drains around your yard. Prune back branches and shrubs early to minimize loose debris before severe weather hits.

3. Survey for Cracks and Gaps

A quick perimeter walk around your home's exterior can reveal vulnerable spots where water might seep in. Inspect foundation walls and siding carefully. If you spot any gaps or medium-sized cracks, seal them immediately using waterproof fillers or sealants. While hairline cracks under 1/16 of an inch are typically cosmetic, keeping a record of them ensures you can monitor if they expand during freeze-thaw cycles.

4. Test Your Sump Pump

If your home features a basement sump pump, testing it should be a non-negotiable part of your seasonal routine. Pour a couple of 5-gallon buckets of water (or run a hose) directly into the pit to verify that the float switch activates properly, pumps the water out, and shuts off automatically once the basin is clear. A functioning sump pump drastically reduces basement flood risks.

5. Move Belongings to a Higher Place

Even after fortifying your home's exterior, safeguarding high-value items is crucial when extreme weather looms. If you receive a serious weather alert or flood warning from the National Weather Service, move valuables and important documents to upper levels or the attic to keep them completely out of harm's way.