If you live in an area where floods damages is common, then you know you want to reduce the risk of flood damage to your home, keeping it to a minimum. Keep in mind that safety is the biggest concern. While you cannot predict when or where a flood will happen, you can take steps to protect your house.
You do need to assess the risk of flood water damage happening to you. If you live in an area where it is likely, then you need to try and figure put how bad it could get. You can go to your City Hall and ask if they can help you find a flood map, so you may be able to determine how badly your home can be affected.
If you live in an area where flooding is likely, then you need to keep some of your appliances (those that fall below the predicted flood line) at least 12″ off the ground. Washers and dryers, furnaces and water heaters should be moved to an upper level if at all possible, or you can place these on blocks to get them the right height. You may also want to install your furnace on the ceiling of the basement to help protect that as well.
If you have a basement, then you need to have a drain installed in the floor. You may also want to have a floating plug that will automatically let the water drain during a flood without manually having to start it. This is something you will need to check to make sure it will work, and that the drain is free from clogs.
You may also want to have a professional install a back flow valve onto your sewage line. This can keep the sewer from backing up into your home during a flood. It can also help to save you a nasty, and very costly, repair bill by preventing it from happening in the first place.
You should make sure that the breaker box and switches are also above a projected flood line. Ensuring that the lines are free from cracks and breaks in the coating can keep the system from shorting out. Not only can this be safer, but it can reduce the cost to fix it if it does blow out.
You may also want to invest in a sump pump for your basement to remove water after a flood. If you install one, then you also need to have a generator or buy one that is fuel operated so it can be used if the power is out. By removing the water, you can minimize weakening the structure of the walls and foundation since the water will not just be standing and seeping into these places.
Insurance is also important. You will need to get this through the federal government, and renters and owners alike can apply for it. There is a waiting period for the policy to go into effect, so it is better to get this before floods are a seasonal concern.
You will not be able to prevent all the house flood damage that may occur, but taking a few steps can help reduce what you sustain. No matter what you choose to do, the safety of you and your family should come first. Having an emergency plan can do the most to reduce the floods damages.
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