Step 7: Rebuild and disaster-proof your house
You can prevent future damage to your home and property while making repairs. This is called mitigation. If your house was flooded, consider the following options to avoid loss in the future:

• Relocate your home and family to a safe location outside of a flood hazard area.
• Elevate your home above flood level.
• Build floodwalls or berms to protect your home against the floodwaters. Seal the building to keep floodwaters out.
• Modify the building so floodwaters cause minimal damage.
• Local building codes usually require a building permit before you start to repair or alter your home.
• Call your local building official or the building code supervisor in the State Fire Marshal's Office.

Step 8: Prepare for next time
While a repeat performance of this disaster may seem remote, it's a good idea to think ahead, especially while your experience is fresh in your mind. The adage that lightning never strikes twice doesn't hold up when it comes to disasters. Floods, hurricanes and tornadoes may revisit your area.

Buy flood insurance. Homeowner's insurance policies do not cover damage from floods. However, you can purchase flood insurance under the National Flood Insurance Program through any licensed insurance company or agent. Call your insurance agent, or for a list of agents offering flood insurance in your area, call the National Flood Insurance Program toll-free at 1-800-427-4661.

Prevention

• Develop a flood response plan for your family. 
• Make a list of steps to take before disaster strikes your home.
• Monitor your local television and radio stations for storm information.
• When disaster threatens, fill your car's gas tank in case an evacuation order is issued.
• Take your pets to a kennel or a friend's home on high ground.
• Move your furniture and valuables to higher floors in your home if you have enough time.
• Tape plastic around the cap of your well to reduce contamination.
• Turn off electricity, gas, oil, and water.
• Keep family documents and other important papers in a waterproof, portable container you can grab quickly should you need to evacuate.
• Assemble a Disaster Supply Kit.