How to Prepare for a Flood in Laurel, MD

Laurel grew up on the banks of the Patuxent River. Most days the river is a scenic backdrop for the Riverfront Park trail. But after heavy rain upstream, it can rise fast. If your home floods, Laurel Dry Pros provides storm and flood damage restoration in Laurel. This guide is about what you can do before the water comes.

This is general information. Always follow instructions from local officials during a flood.

Laurel's flood history: why it matters

The Patuxent flows through Laurel below the T. Howard Duckett Dam, which forms the Rocky Gorge Reservoir. When heavy rain fills the reservoirs upstream, water is released through the dams to protect them. That water flows down through Laurel.

In January 2013, after heavy rain, the river at Laurel rose to 12.9 feet, more than three feet above its 9.5-foot flood stage. Water was released from Brighton Dam and the Duckett Dam. The mayor advised people and businesses near the river downtown to evacuate, and the river rose over Route 1 near Main Street. That event shows how quickly river flooding can affect Old Town Laurel.

Step 1: Know your risk before you prepare for a flood

• Look up your address on FEMA's Flood Map Service Center to see your flood zone.
• Remember that flood maps show average risk. Floods can happen outside mapped zones.
• Notice the low spots on your own street and lot, where water pools in heavy rain.
• Ask neighbors who've lived nearby for years where water has gone in past storms.

Step 2: Get the right insurance, early

The Maryland Insurance Administration says standard homeowners policies don't typically cover flood damage. Flood coverage comes from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), private insurers or surplus lines carriers.

• Most NFIP policies have a 30-day waiting period, so buy well before storm season.
• Basement coverage under the NFIP is narrow: cleanup costs and equipment such as a furnace or water heater, but few finished basement belongings.
• Flood policies don't renew on their own. Renew each year.
• Separately, ask your agent about a water/sewer backup endorsement for drain and sump overflows. Maryland insurers must offer it.

Our Maryland water damage insurance guide explains the difference between flood and water damage.

Step 3: Protect your home before storm season

• Clean gutters and extend downspouts away from the foundation.
• Test your sump pump and add a battery backup. See our sump pump guide.
• Ask a plumber about a backflow valve to keep sewer water from backing up into the basement.
• Raise the furnace, water heater and electrical panel above likely flood levels if you're remodeling.
• Store valuables, documents and keepsakes in waterproof bins on high shelves.
• Clear storm drains near your home of leaves and trash.
• Take photos or video of your home and belongings for insurance records.

Step 4: Make a family flood plan

1. Sign up for alerts. Get emergency alerts from your county and the City of Laurel, and watch National Weather Service flood warnings.
2. Know your routes. Plan two ways out that avoid low roads near the river.
3. Pack a go bag. Include water, medicine, chargers, copies of IDs and insurance papers, cash and a flashlight.
4. Plan for pets. Know where they can stay.
5. Know how to shut off utilities in case officials tell you to.

Step 5: When a flood is coming

• Move valuables and electronics upstairs.
• Bring in outdoor furniture and anything that can float away.
• Charge phones and power banks.
• Follow evacuation orders right away.
• Never walk or drive through flood water. Just a little moving water can sweep a car away.

Step 6: After the water goes down

FEMA's advice for cleanup is to wait until officials say it's safe, watch for electrical and gas hazards, and wear boots, gloves and eye protection. Flood water is contaminated, so drywall, insulation, carpet and pad it soaked usually need to be removed. Dry the structure within 24 to 48 hours if you can to limit mold.

1. Take photos of the water line and every damaged item before cleanup.
2. Call your insurer and file a claim quickly.
3. Remove water and mud, then tear out soaked materials.
4. Clean and disinfect hard surfaces.
5. Dry the structure with dehumidifiers and air movers.

Our guide on what to do when your basement floods has more detail on these steps.

Local note: Low areas near the river in Old Town Laurel face the most river flood risk. Homes in the stream valleys of Bowie and along the Little Patuxent near Odenton and Fort Meade can see high water too. In Burtonsville and Columbia, heavy rain more often means basement water than river flooding.

Related reading: Learn why a flood can lead to mold in our guide on how long it takes mold to grow, and see how sewage backups differ from flood water.

When should you call a flood damage professional?

Call a pro when flood water entered living space, soaked drywall or carpet, brought mud or sewage, or reached the furnace or water heater. Professional crews can safely remove contaminated materials and dry the structure fast.

Flood damage in Laurel? Call (301) 368-0221 to reach Laurel Dry Pros for flood cleanup and drying.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

1. Patch: Storm leaves county covered in rain (Patuxent River at Laurel)
2. CBS News Baltimore: Evacuation order lifted after Laurel flooding
3. Maryland Insurance Administration: Flood Insurance FAQs
4. Maryland Insurance Administration: An insurance preparedness guide for natural disasters
5. FEMA: Stay safe when cleaning up after a flood
6. FEMA NFIP media toolkit: fast facts