Images from Texas in recent days — streets turned into rivers, cars floating adrift, families trapped on rooftops — are a reminder that floods can happen faster than we think, and they do not discriminate. With hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese living in flood-prone areas like Houston, New Orleans, the San Francisco Bay Area, and along the Eastern seaboard, preparing in advance is not just a recommendation — it is the difference between safety and danger.
This article provides step-by-step guidance: from how to read flood warnings, to preparing before hurricane season arrives, to what to do during a night of rising water — and things that are especially important for the Vietnamese community.
Disasters come without warning — but preparation can.
Understanding Types of Flood Warnings
The National Weather Service uses two terms that you need to remember:
- Flood Watch (monitoring flood alert): Weather conditions may cause flooding within the next few hours. This is when you need to prepare, check emergency supplies, and monitor news closely.
- Flood Warning (official flood alert): Flooding is happening or will happen immediately. This is a signal to take action — not to wait.
- Flash Flood Emergency (flash flood emergency status): The highest level of danger. Flash flooding can sweep away people and cars in just a few minutes. If you receive this alert, evacuate immediately.
- These warnings are usually sent to your phone as emergency text messages (Wireless Emergency Alert). Make sure your phone has emergency alert notifications enabled — go to Settings, find Emergency Alerts, and turn it on.
Prepare in Advance — Do Not Wait Until It Rains
Many Vietnamese families, especially those who are newer arrivals or elderly, often do not prepare in advance because they think "there are no floods here like back home." But Houston — home to the largest Vietnamese community in the United States — has experienced three historic floods in just three years (Harvey in 2017, heavy rains in 2015 and 2016).
Go Bag (emergency bag): This is a bag you can grab and run with in a few minutes. According to recommendations from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), a basic emergency bag should include:
- Drinking water: at least 3.8 liters per person per day, enough for 3 days
- Ready-to-eat food (canned goods, dried foods, packaged items)
- Flashlight and backup batteries
- Regular medications, especially if anyone in the household has a chronic illness
- Copies of identity documents: passport, green card, driver's license, insurance contracts
- Cash — ATMs and card readers usually stop working after a disaster
- Basic first aid kit
- Power bank for charging your phone
Know your evacuation routes: Sit down with your entire family and identify two or three escape routes from your home and neighborhood. If you have elderly people or small children, make specific plans for each person.
Know the location of shelters: Each county has a list of public shelters — usually schools, sports facilities, or community centers. Look them up in advance on your county's website or call 211, a free community support hotline that operates 24 hours.
When a Flood Warning Is Issued: What to Do Immediately
Imagine this situation: Hoa, 52 years old, lives in Katy, Texas — a Houston suburb prone to flooding. Late at night, her phone buzzes with a Flood Warning for her area. What should she do?
First step: Turn on the radio or TV to hear guidance from local authorities. Do not rely solely on social media — rumors spread faster than floodwater.
Second step: If authorities issue an evacuation order, comply immediately. This is not the time to hesitate over "house and belongings." Many people have lost their lives trying to stay and protect their property.
Third step: Move to higher ground. If evacuation has not been ordered yet but water begins to rise, move your family upstairs. Do not go to the basement — it is a death trap when floods come quickly.
Fourth step: Do not drive through flooded areas. Just 30 centimeters of fast-moving water is enough to sweep away a car. A phrase repeated throughout flood season in America is: "Turn Around, Don't Drown" — turn back, do not risk it.
Things Especially Important for Vietnamese Families
There are specific barriers that the Vietnamese community often faces in disaster situations — and knowing about them in advance will help a great deal.
Language barrier: Emergency alerts are usually only in English. If you have elderly people at home who cannot read English, install a translation app (such as Google Translate) in advance or designate one family member as an "information contact." Some counties have Vietnamese language support lines — find out before you need them.
Renting versus owning: If you are renting and suffer flood damage, the landlord is responsible for repairing the structural parts of the building, but your personal belongings are not covered by the landlord's homeowner's insurance. Renters should purchase renter's insurance — usually only about 15 to 30 USD per month — to protect personal property.
Flood insurance: This is something many Vietnamese families overlook. Standard homeowner's insurance does NOT cover flood damage. You must purchase it separately through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) administered by FEMA. The average cost is about 700 to 800 USD per year, depending on location and risk level.
Disaster assistance for immigrants: People with green cards, valid visas, or Temporary Protected Status (TPS) can all apply for FEMA assistance after a disaster. According to FEMA, US citizens and lawful permanent residents are both eligible for assistance. People without valid documentation are not eligible for direct assistance from FEMA, but can still access relief services from nonprofit organizations and local churches — no one is denied shelter or food in an emergency.
After the Flood: Steps That Cannot Be Skipped
When the water recedes, danger has not necessarily passed. Floodwater is usually heavily contaminated with bacteria — avoid direct contact unless you have protective equipment. Do not turn on electricity until an electrician has inspected the electrical system. Do not drink tap water until authorities confirm it is safe.
If your home is damaged, take photos and videos of everything before cleaning anything up — this is important evidence for your insurance company.
Apply for FEMA assistance as soon as possible at DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362. This hotline has Vietnamese interpreters.
A Small Step Today, A Big Difference Tomorrow
Preparing for disasters is not just for the cautious or those living in high-risk areas. It is for everyone — especially for Vietnamese families who have already overcome so much hardship to build a new life here.
One emergency bag. One sheet of paper with emergency phone numbers. One family conversation about evacuation plans. These small things can make all the difference.
Disasters come without warning — but preparation can.