Minimal flood damage can cost you a whopping $7,800. And that’s only for a couple of inches.
If waters rise to 18 inches, you could be looking at $26,000 or more of damage!
While flood insurance can help protect you, you’ll probably be wondering how to prevent flooding.
After all, the flooding not happening in the first place is the very best scenario.
Take a look at some of our top tips for making sure your home is flood safe with the article below.
Determine Your Flood Risk
FEMA has developed a map you can consult that will show you how likely it is that your area will be flooded. They range from Blue with Red Stripe zones that are areas where flooding is incredibly common, to Blue Zones, or those who haven’t had floods in 100 years.
Even if you live in a Blue Zone, you can still become a victim of flooding. So it is important you prep your house for the disaster that could occur.
Check Leaky Pipes and Valves Regularly
Although flooding from leaking pipes and valves isn’t the same as flooding from a natural disaster, it can still cause expensive damage.
Additionally, small leaks over time can not only mar your furniture and other items but can create mold that can make you and your family ill.
If you have issues with your plumbing, you should speak to a plumber or your landlord if you’re renting immediately. You don’t want your furniture or other items to get ruined by not taking care of it.
Buy Flood Insurance
Buying flood insurance isn’t really preventative, but it does help you in the event that you’ll need compensation for damages.
Even if you live somewhere where floods occur only once every 100 years or so, you could be the exception to the rule. Additionally, dams and other man-made wells or water sources may break, which can cause serious flooding.
Learn more about buying flood insurance and how to choose the best coverage for your home or business.
Raise Your Home
If you live in an area that is a hotbed for flood activity, have a raised home is a really good idea.
You can raise it on stilts or piers. Or, you can purchase a home that was already raised by the construction company or previous owners.
Raising it to the average level of water, or a little higher, during flood season is a must.
Raise Outlets and Switches
Many homes have switches and outlets that are low to the ground. While this may be convenient for lamps or other items closer to the floor, it can cause a life-threatening hazard in the event of a flood.
If you’re building a new home, keep this in mind.
If you are trying to flood-proof an existing home, you’ll need to rewire your electricity. This may be expensive, but it will be worth it in the event of a flood.
Make Sure Your Storm Drains Face Away From Your Home
While storm drains are essential, you shouldn’t have them pointing toward your home. Instead, having them pointing away from your home toward the street. This will ensure that if a large flood of water comes tumbling down, it will go directly into the street. If there has been a storm, damage to your roof.
In cases of major flooding, this may not make a huge difference. However, it can help prevent minor flooding. Minor flooding can, indeed, still be devastating.
Make Sure There is Space Between the Mulch and House’s Siding
Wet mulch can lead to all kinds of issues with your home. It can rot the side of your house, which can make flood water enter your home during a storm. If the side of your house is rotted, it won’t even take a major storm to cause severe damage.
Make sure to keep the two separate so that your house can dry completely after each rainstorm.
What to Do During a Flood to Minimize Damage
During a flood, or right before one, there are a few things you can do to minimize damage. You may be forced to evacuate if the flooding is caused by a storm. That’s okay, as you can still take measures before you leave.
Shut off the electricity before the storm begins. Don’t wait until the storm hits or the city shuts it off for you. This is to prevent you or your family members from getting electrocuted.
Take any large electrical appliance and prop it up on concrete blocks so that it won’t get damaged. If you have more than one floor, take all appliances to the top floor.
You should also put any furniture or other large items you cannot take with you as you evacuate in the uppermost level of your home.
Always take your pets with you when you evacuate and do not leave them behind.
How to Prevent Flooding
There is no easy answer to the question of how to prevent flooding. Flooding can and will occur if you live in a zone where it is common. There is little you can do except prepare with the steps listed above.
If you are very bothered by the idea of floods, you might want to consider relocating. Although relocating isn’t the most simple solution, it does drastically reduce your chance of flooding.
Moving to a location where flooding is very rare can help you save your home.
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