Storm Flooding Preparation Checklist for Fort Worth Homeowners

Living in the Fort Worth area means dealing with the reality of severe weather. North Texas experiences some of the most intense thunderstorms, flash flooding events, and occasional tropical moisture surges in the country. The flat terrain, expansive clay soils, and rapid urban development in Tarrant County contribute to flash flood risks that can catch even experienced residents off guard. As storm damage restoration professionals who respond to flood emergencies year-round, we have compiled this comprehensive preparation checklist to help Fort Worth homeowners minimize storm flood damage before it happens.

The best time to prepare for flooding is before storm season. The worst time is during the storm. Review this checklist now and take action on the items that apply to your home.

Exterior Preparation

Clean and inspect gutters and downspouts. Clogged gutters cause water to overflow and pool around your foundation, which is one of the leading causes of water intrusion during storms. Clean gutters at least twice a year, and more frequently if you have trees overhanging your roof. Ensure downspouts extend at least 4 to 6 feet from the foundation, and consider adding downspout extensions or splash blocks if they currently discharge near the house.

Grade your landscaping away from the foundation. The soil around your foundation should slope away from the house at a rate of at least one inch per foot for the first six feet. Over time, soil settles and can create low spots where water pools against your foundation. Add soil as needed to maintain proper grading. In Fort Worth's clay soil, this is especially important because clay expands when wet and can cause foundation movement that cracks slabs and creates entry points for water.

Inspect your roof. Missing, cracked, or curling shingles are invitations for storm water to enter your attic and ceilings. Have your roof inspected annually and after any major hail event. Check flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights, as these are common failure points during heavy rain. If your roof is over 15 years old, budget for replacement before a storm forces the issue.

Seal exterior penetrations. Walk around your home's exterior and check the caulking and sealing around windows, doors, dryer vents, cable entry points, hose bibs, and any other penetrations through the wall. Deteriorated caulk and seals allow wind-driven rain to enter wall cavities where it causes hidden water damage. Re-caulk as needed with high-quality exterior sealant.

Check window wells and basement entries. If your home has window wells or below-grade basement entries, ensure they have proper drainage and covers. Window well covers prevent rainwater from accumulating and breaching the window seal. Clean out any debris that has collected in window wells, and verify that the drain at the bottom is not clogged.

Maintain your sump pump. If you have a sump pump, test it by pouring a bucket of water into the pit. The pump should activate, remove the water, and shut off automatically. Replace the battery backup annually and consider a water-powered backup system for extended power outages. Sump pump failure during a storm is one of the most common causes of basement and crawl space flooding.

Interior Preparation

Know your shut-off valves. Locate your main water shut-off valve, gas shut-off valve, and electrical panel. Label them clearly so any family member can find and operate them in an emergency. Storm-related flooding can compromise these systems, and being able to shut them off quickly is essential for safety.

Elevate valuable items in flood-prone areas. If any area of your home has a history of water intrusion during storms, move valuable items, important documents, and electronics to higher ground. Store items on shelves rather than directly on the floor. Use waterproof containers for documents, photos, and irreplaceable items.

Install water sensors. Place water leak detectors in areas most likely to flood: near the sump pump, by the water heater, under sinks, near the washing machine, and in the lowest points of your home. Smart water sensors can send alerts to your phone so you know immediately if water is detected, even when you are away from home.

Check your HVAC system. Make sure your air conditioning condensate drain line is clear and draining properly. A clogged condensate line can cause water to back up and overflow, creating water damage during the very storms when humidity levels spike and the system is working hardest. Have your HVAC system serviced before storm season.

Review your emergency supplies. Keep a flashlight, battery-powered radio, first aid kit, and bottled water accessible. During severe storms, power outages are common and may last for hours or days. Include a list of emergency phone numbers, including your restoration company, insurance agent, utility providers, and local emergency management.

Insurance Preparation

Review your homeowners insurance policy. Standard homeowners insurance covers water damage from sudden events like burst pipes and roof leaks, but it typically does not cover flood damage from rising water. If your home is in or near a flood zone, you need a separate flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private insurer. Even homes outside of designated flood zones can flood during extreme storms, and about 25 percent of flood insurance claims come from properties outside high-risk zones.

Document your property. Create a comprehensive photo and video inventory of your home and belongings before any damage occurs. Walk through every room and record the contents, including model numbers and serial numbers of electronics and appliances. Store this documentation in the cloud or on a device you keep with you, not just on a computer in your home. This documentation is invaluable for insurance claims if your home is damaged.

Add sewer backup coverage. Heavy storms can overwhelm municipal sewer systems, causing sewage to back up into connected homes. Standard policies do not cover this. Ask your agent about adding a sewer backup endorsement, which is typically inexpensive relative to the potential cost of cleanup.

During a Storm

When severe weather is approaching or already occurring, take these real-time precautions:

Monitor local weather alerts through the National Weather Service, local news apps, or a NOAA weather radio. Flash flood warnings for Tarrant County should be taken seriously and immediately.
Stay away from windows and exterior doors during active storms with high winds or hail.
If you see water beginning to enter your home, move to higher ground within the house and call for help. Do not attempt to walk through or drive through floodwater.
Do not enter a flooded basement or crawl space. Floodwater may be in contact with electrical systems, creating an electrocution risk.
If you are advised to evacuate, do so immediately. Take your emergency supplies, important documents, and medications. Lock your home and shut off utilities if you can do so safely.
Never drive through flooded roadways. As few as six inches of moving water can knock you down, and two feet of water can float a vehicle. The majority of flood-related deaths occur in vehicles.

After the Storm

Once the storm has passed and authorities have confirmed it is safe to return, assess your property carefully.

Approach with caution. Look for structural damage, downed power lines, and standing water before entering your home. If you see significant damage to the structure, wait for a professional assessment before going inside.

Document damage immediately. Before any cleanup begins, photograph and video all damage throughout the property, inside and out. This is critical for your insurance claim.

Call for professional help. If your home has sustained flood damage, call a professional restoration company immediately. The 24-to-48-hour window before mold growth begins is especially critical after storm flooding because the water involved is often contaminated with soil, debris, and potentially sewage. Professional water damage restoration is essential to safely remediate the contamination and prevent secondary damage.

File your insurance claim promptly. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the damage. Provide your pre-storm documentation along with post-storm photos. Keep receipts for all emergency expenses, including temporary lodging, meals, and any emergency repairs or purchases.

Fort Worth-Specific Flooding Risks

Understanding the specific flood risks in the Fort Worth area helps you prepare more effectively:

Trinity River and Clear Fork flooding: Properties near the Trinity River and its tributaries face the highest risk of riverine flooding during sustained heavy rainfall. Check FEMA flood maps to determine if your property is in a designated flood zone.
Flash flooding in urban areas: Rapid development has increased impervious surface area across Tarrant County, leading to faster and more intense runoff during storms. Low-lying areas, underpasses, and neighborhoods near creeks and drainage channels are particularly vulnerable.
Clay soil foundation issues: Fort Worth's expansive clay soils absorb water during storms and exert pressure on foundations. This can open cracks that allow water entry and exacerbate plumbing stress under slabs.
Aging infrastructure: Older neighborhoods in Fort Worth may have outdated storm drainage systems that cannot handle the intensity of modern rainfall events, increasing the risk of localized flooding.

Preparation is the most effective form of flood protection. Taking the steps outlined in this checklist will not guarantee that your home will never flood, but it will significantly reduce your risk and ensure you can respond effectively when severe weather strikes. If you need help assessing your home's flood risk or if you need emergency storm damage restoration services, 2 Brothers Restoration is here to help.

Storm Flooding Preparation Checklist for Fort Worth Homeowners