What One Family Learned After Surviving a Flood
A Mom and Her 10-Year-Old Daughter Share Practical Advice for Flood Survivors
When your world is turned upside down by a flood, it's hard to know what to do first. One Texas mom and her 10-year-old daughter, who experienced a devastating flood themselves, created this simple guide to help other families navigate those overwhelming first hours and days.
Their message is simple: take care of yourself first, then take things one step at a time.
What to Do Right After a Flood
The first priority isn't cleaning your home—it's taking care of yourself and your family.
Pray, if that's part of your faith.
Take slow, deep breaths.
Accept help when it's offered.
Stay with trusted friends, family, or go to a shelter if needed.
Eat something, even if it's small.
Take a shower if you have access to one.
Rest whenever you can.
Let family and friends know you're safe.
Begin looking for a temporary place to stay if your home isn't livable.
When Someone Asks, "What Do You Need?"
Many flood survivors don't know how to answer that question. Here are items that are often immediately helpful:
Gift cards (HEB, Lowe's, Home Depot, Academy, Visa, etc.)
Sheets and blankets
Suitcases or backpacks
Snacks and drinks
Pajamas, undergarments, and a few changes of clothes
Shoes and rain boots
Prescription medications
Basic first-aid supplies
While You're Waiting for Next Steps
Recovery often involves waiting—for insurance, assistance, contractors, and more. During that time, consider:
Pausing unnecessary subscriptions.
Contacting your home and auto insurance companies to begin claims.
Reaching out to disaster relief organizations, such as The Salvation Army, if available in your area.
Registering for FEMA assistance if your disaster qualifies.
Asking your mortgage company about disaster-related forbearance options.
Contacting utility providers if your home is uninhabitable.
Asking student loan servicers about hardship or disaster relief, if applicable.
Contacting credit card companies to ask about disaster hardship programs.
Checking with your employer to see if they offer emergency assistance or employee hardship funds.
Document Everything
One of the biggest lessons this family learned is to keep detailed records.
Take photos of all flood damage before cleanup begins, if it's safe to do so.
Save receipts for every expense related to the flood.
Screenshot emails, text messages, and claim information.
Keep all flood photos and important documents together in one album or folder on your phone.
You Don't Have to Go Through This Alone
Flood recovery can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to have every answer today. Accept help, focus on your family's immediate needs, and take recovery one step at a time.
This guide was thoughtfully created by a mom and her 10-year-old daughter after experiencing a flood firsthand. Their hope is that sharing what they learned can bring comfort and practical help to families facing similar circumstances today. Our thoughts and prayers are with every family walking through this difficult season. 💙
