Leaving Home Safely After a Flood

Updated September 2026: in 2018 I wrote about the morning the 2015 Chennai rains finally stopped after three days, finding the water still knee-deep at the gate, packing to drive to my home town, and a surprise visitor at my door. I have rewritten it into advice on leaving home safely after a flood.

After another broken night, praying the rain would not harm anyone or damage the building, I woke at about 8am and saw the sun for the first time in three days. I went straight to the gate. The water was still knee-deep, but this time I felt ready to drive through it and escape. I went back up and packed the essentials: my MacBook Pro, office laptop, chargers and some clothes. Then the doorbell rang, which I was not expecting.

Is it safe to drive through floodwater?

Often not. Water can hide open drains, potholes and debris, and moving water can push a car sideways. If you must drive through standing water, go slowly in a low gear, do not stop, and avoid water above the bottom of the doors. Never drive through moving water.

What should you take when leaving?

• Documents: ID, insurance papers and important certificates, in a waterproof bag.
• Medicines: for several days.
• Devices and chargers: including work laptops.
• Cash: ATMs and card machines may not work.

What should you do before locking up?

Switch off the mains, shut the gas, move valuables to higher shelves, and tell a neighbour or the building office that you are leaving and how to reach you.

What should you check after the water recedes?

Your car's engine and electrics before running it for long, the home's wiring before switching the mains back on, and insurance terms for flood damage. Take photos for any claim.

Who was at the door?

A colleague, as I described in a later post, who had travelled a long way to check on me. Help often comes from people, not plans, and it is worth checking on colleagues who live alone when a disaster strikes.

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