The Complete 9-Item Flood Survival Emergency Kit: Beat the Big 3 Threats

In memory of those lost in the July 2025 Guadalupe River flooding - helping families prepare for the situations where preparation can make a difference.

Honoring Those We Lost While Protecting Those We Love

The July 2025 Guadalupe River flooding was an unprecedented natural disaster. When a river rises 26 feet in just 45 minutes, many situations become unavoidable and unpreventable. We honor the memory of those who were lost by acknowledging that some circumstances are simply beyond human control.

However, in the spirit of helping families prepare for future emergencies, we can focus on the situations where preparation might make a difference. While we can't prevent every tragedy, we can equip ourselves for the scenarios where the right knowledge and tools could help.

This guide is offered with deep respect for those affected by the Guadalupe River tragedy and with hope that it might help other families in different circumstances.

Understanding Flood Risks

Important Context: The Guadalupe River disaster involved unprecedented water levels that rose faster than most emergency response systems could handle. Many of those tragic losses were simply unavoidable given the extreme circumstances.

This guide focuses on more common flood scenarios where preparation can potentially make a difference - situations like:

Scenario 1: Vehicle-Related Flooding

• When vehicles encounter unexpected water on roadways-this is always the highest risk for flood danger for most of us!

• Situations where escape tools might provide additional options

• Times when having rescue equipment could help others

  
  

Scenario 2: Exposure and Hypothermia

• Extended exposure while waiting for rescue

• Situations where maintaining body temperature is critical

• When emergency medical supplies might help

  
  

Scenario 3: Communication Challenges

• When cell service is disrupted but not completely down

• Situations where signaling devices might attract attention

• Times when backup communication could be helpful

  
  

The reality: No amount of preparation can prevent every tragedy. However, for those situations where we do have some control, having the right tools and knowledge can sometimes help make a difference. A flood emergency kit is a simple way to use the luxury of now to prepared for the unexpected nature of the future.

The Complete 9-Item Emergency Flood Kit Survival System

ANTI-DROWNING GEAR

1. Throw Bag/Rescue Rope

What it is: 50+ feet of floating polypropylene rope in a quick-deploy bag (I use a 70 ft. rope)

Why it saves lives: Whether you need to rescue someone else or get rescued yourself, this rope becomes your lifeline. The floating material stays visible on the water surface, and the compact bag allows for accurate throws up to 50+ feet.

Real-world application: During some flood events, civilians with throw bags have been able to help in rescue situations. However, it's crucial to understand that in extreme conditions, even rescue equipment has limitations and should never give false confidence about one's ability to overcome nature's most powerful forces.

Mom tip:

• Practice deployment in your backyard - muscle memory matters. I bought an extra bag for us to use as practice and for play in the swimming pool. The kids think it's fun, and all the while we're all getting experience in how to use, and the mental workout in "not jumping into dangerous waters".

• Keep it accessible from the driver's seat

• Make sure everyone old enough to use it knows where it's stored!

• Never tie it to yourself - always maintain ability to let go

• Check rope condition every 6 months for wear or UV damage

2. Window Breaker/Seatbelt Cutter

What it is: Spring-loaded punch tool with integrated seatbelt blade

Why it saves lives: When your car is submerged, doors won't open due to water pressure. Windows become your only escape route. This tool breaks tempered glass instantly and cuts through jammed seatbelts.

Real-world application: In some vehicle submersion situations, having escape tools available may provide additional options. However, it's important to note that in extreme flood conditions like the Guadalupe River, even the best tools may not be sufficient against the overwhelming force of nature. Early detection and the ability to avoid the dangers is our best bet at safety!

Mom tips:

• Mount it on your head rest (I ziptie mine to the metal bar of my headrest) or your sun visor

• Practice the motion - aim for window corners, not center

• Replace every 3 years as springs can weaken

• Consider having more than one - one for driver, one for passenger side, and even in the back if your kiddos are old enough to be responsible with them!

• Look at the stickers on your windows to determine which are tempered glass, and which are laminated. You want to plan to always move to escape from the tempered glass windows when possible-in newer vehicles, these are usually in the back seat!

  
  

3. Personal Flotation Device (PFD)

What it is: Compact, inflatable life vest or foam flotation device

Why it saves lives: Even strong swimmers can drown in flood conditions due to debris, currents, and exhaustion. A PFD keeps you afloat while preserving energy for escape.

Real-world application: Automatic inflating PFDs are ideal for vehicle storage - they're compact until needed, then provide full flotation instantly.

Mom tips:

• Choose bright colors for visibility

• Check CO2 cartridges annually on inflatable models

• Practice putting it on in various conditions

• Consider models with emergency whistle attachment

  
  

ANTI-HYPOTHERMIA GEAR

4. Mylar Emergency Blankets

What it is: Lightweight, reflective blanket that reflects 90% of body heat

Why it saves lives: Hypothermia can set in within 15 minutes in cold water. These blankets provide immediate warming and are waterproof, windproof, and visible to rescuers.

Real-world application: In situations where people are stranded but not in immediate danger, maintaining body temperature becomes important while waiting for professional rescue. These blankets can help in those circumstances, though they're not a solution for the most extreme flood conditions.

Mom tips:

• Pack 2-3 per person (they can tear)

• Silver side toward body for warmth, away from body for cooling

• Can also be used as ground cover or signaling device

• Practice unfolding - they're tricky in windy conditions

  
  

5. First Aid Kit

What it is: Waterproof trauma kit with bleeding control and basic medical supplies

Why it saves lives: Flood injuries are common - cuts from debris, hypothermia symptoms, and trauma from vehicle crashes. A good first aid kit addresses immediate medical needs until professional help arrives.

Real-world application: Focus on trauma care rather than minor scrapes. Flood situations often involve severe injuries that require immediate intervention.

Mom tips:

• Prioritize: tourniquets, trauma gauze, pressure bandages

• Include emergency medications (pain relief, allergy meds)

• Waterproof container or poly sealed is essential

• Have existing supplies or kits that would work? Buy a waterproof bag to store it all in!

• Know how to use everything in your kit!

  
  

COMMUNICATION & SIGNALING GEAR

6. Emergency Whistle

What it is: Loud, penetrating whistle that works when wet

Why it saves lives: Your voice carries maybe 100 yards. A good whistle carries over a mile and works when you're exhausted, cold, or injured.

Real-world application: Three short blasts is the international distress signal. It's recognizable to rescuers and conserves energy compared to shouting.

Mom tips:

• Pealess whistles work better when wet

• Attach to life jacket or wear around neck

• Practice the international distress signal: 3 short blasts, pause, repeat. Kids love to practice this, make it fun!

• Consider models with built-in compass

  
  

7. Emergency Radio

What it is: Hand-crank or solar-powered radio with NOAA weather alerts

Why it saves lives: When cell towers fail, radio becomes your link to emergency information, weather updates, and rescue coordination.

Real-world application: Emergency broadcasts provide crucial information about evacuation routes, shelter locations, and rescue operations in your area. After living through a 2 week shutdown after Hurricane Rita in September of 2005, I quickly learned about the value of radio broadcast. It was the only true way we could ascertain any valuable information: evacuation routes, water drop-off, recovery efforts, etc.

Mom tips:

• Hand-crank models are most reliable

• Learn your local emergency frequencies

• Many models include phone charging capability

• Test monthly to ensure functionality

  
  

8. Waterproof Phone Protection

What it is: Heavy-duty gallon ziplock bag or waterproof phone case

Why it saves lives: Your phone is your lifeline - GPS, emergency calls, flashlight, and family communication. Keep it dry, keep it working.

Real-world application: A simple ziplock bag can be the difference between calling 911 and being completely cut off from help.

Mom tips:

• Double-bag with gallon ziplock bags

• Test touchscreen functionality through plastic

• Include backup battery/power bank in waterproof protection

• Have emergency contact numbers written down separately in a Rite in the Rain notebook.

  
  

9. Emergency Light

What it is: Hand-crank LED flashlight.

Why it saves lives: Floods often cause power outages. This light helps you navigate, signals rescuers, and provides mental and psychological comfort during really shattering situations.

Real-world application: LED models provide bright, focused beams visible from great distances. Hand-crank operation means it works regardless of battery condition.

Mom tips:

• Practice hand-crank operation - it takes effort

• Look for models with phone charging capability

• Consider a headlamp as well for hands-free operation

  
  

Why I Love Using the Vertx VTAC System

After testing dozens of storage solutions, I keep coming back to Vertx VTAC tactical storage for one simple reason: when seconds count, organization saves lives. Always use my code AMBERELLE when shopping at Vertx for a discount!

The Scattered Gear Problem

Once upon a time (I knew better...) I kept my flood gear "somewhere in the car." Window breaker in the glove box. Throw bag in the trunk. Emergency blanket under the seat. You know what happened when I needed to grab everything quickly? Chaos.

One day, I challenged myself to an exercise just to see how I would perform. I had to gather my gear while a timer ran. It took me over 3 minutes to find everything. I had to ask my kids for help... In a real flood, I would have failed my family and it could result in loss of life. Sobering reality. After that, I got my tail in gear, and used my own advice to use the luxury of NOW to get things organized and effectively stored.

Why the Vertx VTAC Solution

Professional Organization: Every item has a designated spot. No hunting, no guessing. Muscle memory kicks in when adrenaline is high.

Instant Accessibility: The VTAC cube system means I can grab my complete flood kit with one hand while evacuating. Everything stays together, nothing gets left behind.

Waterproof Protection: The gear stays dry and functional. I've tested this through tested flood conditions - everything inside stays protected.

Tactical Durability: This isn't consumer-grade storage. It's built for professionals who can't afford equipment failure. The zippers, materials, and construction are designed for extreme conditions.

My Personal Setup

I use the VTAC Stackable Storage Cube - MD Flat for my primary flood kit. Here's why this specific model works perfectly:

• Size: Perfect for under-seat storage (11.42" x 8.07" x 3.15")

• Capacity: 5L holds a significant amount of items. I can always add on a smaller bag to it to hold more if needed, that's what makes the stackable feature so helpful! I keep my waterproof medical bag separate for now.

• Accessibility: Front grab handle for one-handed deployment

• Organization: Internal optional dividers can keep everything in place

• Durability: 420D ripstop nylon with waterproof coating

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The genius is in the details: write bars for labeling, daisy-chain loops for tethering, and VELCRO panels for additional organization. Once you realize the functionality of good quality storage solutions, you won't ever want to go back to the cheap stuff!

Vehicle Placement Strategy

Where you store your kit matters as much as what's in it.

Primary Location: Under Driver Seat

• Accessible while belted in

• Protected from impact damage

• Easy to grab while evacuating

Secondary Items: Door Pockets

• Window breaker/seatbelt cutter in door handle or headrest area

• Emergency whistle attached to sun visor

• Backup flashlight in center console

Securing Your Kit

• Use straps if you need for securing

• Never store in trunk only - you may not be able to access it

• Practice grabbing your kit in various scenarios

• Make sure your family knows where it's stored, and update them if you move it elsewhere!

  
  

Maintenance Schedule

I personally add all of my maintenance when it comes to my preparedness to my reminders app on my phone, I also link it to my calendar so that it pops up as a task for that day when it rolls around! These are GREAT tasks to set your kids up doing as well, kids love to be involved, it's great delegation for the adults, and teaches them that responsibility is an ongoing thing!

Monthly:

• Test flashlight and radio functionality

• Check window breaker spring tension

• Verify whistle operation

• Inspect storage container for damage

Every 6 Months:

• Replace water and food items

• Test throw bag deployment (no knots or breakdown in the rope!)

  
  

Annually:

• Replace batteries in all devices

• Update emergency contact information

• Review and practice evacuation plan

• Check first aid supplies expiration dates

Real-World Success Stories

Texas Family, Hurricane Harvey: "The throw bag saved our neighbor's life. Without it, we couldn't have reached him when his car went into the ditch."

Colorado Mother, Flash Flood: "My phone in the ziplock bag was the only way rescuers could find us. Everyone else's phones were dead."

Florida Grandfather, Hurricane Ian: "The emergency blanket kept my granddaughter warm for 6 hours until rescue arrived. She's alive because we were prepared."

Your Next Steps

1. Get the Complete System Don't wait for the next flood to wish you were prepared. Start with the 9-item system and build your family's protection today. Use as many items that are already around your house as you can, make a running list in your notes of what you want to upgrade or invest in. Save those purchases for when sales come around, or as practical gifts (to yourself or your fam!).

2. Invest in Professional Storage Having the right gear scattered around your car is like having a parachute packed in separate bags. Get the Vertx VTAC storage solution and organize it properly.

3. Practice Your Plan Gear without training is just expensive clutter. Practice deploying your throw bag, using your window breaker, and accessing your kit under stress.

4. Share This Knowledge The Guadalupe River families didn't have this information. Your neighbors might not either. Share this system with people you care about.

The Bottom Line

We cannot prepare for every possible natural disaster scenario. The Guadalupe River flooding demonstrated that some events are simply beyond human control, regardless of preparation level.

However, for the situations where we do have some influence over outcomes, having the right tools and knowledge can sometimes make a difference. This system is offered as one tool among many for flood preparedness, with the understanding that it's not a guarantee against all possible scenarios.

Most importantly: The best flood preparation is avoiding flood-prone areas when possible, heeding evacuation orders, and respecting the awesome power of moving water.

For the full idea list of my flood kit suggestions, you can access that Amazon list here:

Thank you for allowing me to be part of your journey toward confidence and preparedness. Never stop equipping yourself for whatever life brings—I'll always be cheering you on.