With all that’s going on in the world right now, you’d be forgiven for thinking the weather is the least of our concerns. However, as the east coast of the US enters hurricane season, many people, particularly those living near the Atlantic, will be suffering through harsh winds and heavy rains.
As we all know, bad weather is not just restricted to the rainy season. It can strike any time of the year and have drastic effects on both urban and rural areas alike. Flooding, in particular, is one of the most devastating weather disasters for people’s lives and livelihoods. Since 1980, it has cost Americans more than $260 billion in damage, and it is predicted that by 2030, the number of people harmed by floods will double worldwide.
If your home is in a high-risk area for flooding, you will want to make sure that it is adequately protected. The best way to avoid flood damage to your house is to live somewhere that isn’t at risk, such as an area of high ground or a region with a dry climate. However, for most people, this is not a practical solution. Although weather conditions are the most common reason for flooding in the home, it can also occur as a result of leaking plumbing, poor drainage, or malfunctioning appliances.
To ensure your home is safe from flooding, there are three steps to take. First, you must evaluate the risk that flooding poses to your house. Secondly, you must carry out precautionary preparations to resist flooding if it occurs. And thirdly, you must educate yourself on the preventative steps you need to take as soon as flooding starts.
Evaluate the flooding risk
The first step to protecting your house from flooding to identify how likely you are to suffer a flood in your area, as well as knowing how well your home is built to withstand a flood. A great way to quickly discover your flood risk is to visit the FEMA Flood Map Service. Using this website, you can view any area of the United States and pinpoint the level of risk you are in, as well as see the flood history of your particular region.
You will also want to get in touch with a flood insurance agency to determine the specific level of risk in your house. They will be able to look at your home and identify any areas for concern. The flood level is the critical factor, that is, the height to which flood levels could rise during bad weather. If your home is built on high ground, it is likely to be safe, but if it is in a low-lying area such as the bottom of a valley, it could be at considerable risk. Other factors, such as surface runoff and pre-existing flood-proofing, will also be significant.
A standard homeowner’s policy will often not protect you in case of flooding, so if you determine that your home is at risk, it would be a good idea to purchase flood insurance to keep you protected. This can either be purchased as an additional policy or as an add-on to your current plan.
Prepare your house to prevent flooding
Once you have assessed the overall flood risk of your home, the next step is to take action to prevent flooding before poor weather occurs. Properly flood-proofing your home can be done in several ways, ranging from basic maintenance that you can do yourself, to more extensive renovations that will require professional assistance. The steps you need to take will depend on the level of flood risk you should already have determined.
Some effective flood-proofing solutions are listed below.
Safeguard your electrical system: One of the first parts of your house to be damaged when flooding starts is the electricity. All electricity outlets, plugs, sockets, circuit breakers, wiring, and appliances should be at least one foot above the predicted flood level. This will prevent significant electrical damage due to floodwaters.
Apply a flood-proof coating: By adding flood-proof coatings and sealants to your house, you can prevent floodwater from leaking into your property through the cracks. It can be purchased relatively cheaply from any hardware store and should be applied to your foundation, walls, windows, and doorways.
Install drainage solutions: If water does enter your home, you don’t want it to pool and linger, as this will increase the damage over time. By installing foundation vents, you will encourage the water to flow through your home, providing an outlet for it to escape and reducing the pressure it puts on your walls and foundations. A sump pump can enhance this effect by actively pumping water out of lower-level rooms such as basements where flooding is most likely to occur. Ensure that you purchase a sump pump with a backup battery, so it can still be used if the power goes out. Many homes also have pooling issues in outside areas such as patios and driveways. If so, consider installing a swiftdrain driveway trench drain to channel the water.
Protect your siding: When the siding of your home rots, this can lead to leaks that allow floodwater in more easily. Wet organic matter around the house is notorious for damaging siding, so make a space to keep the base of your home completely dry and rot-free.
Adjust your gutters: If your downspouts don’t point away from the house, water can pool in the corners rather than flow away and eventually create leaks. Adjust them accordingly if needed.
Modify your water valves: In the event of a flooded sewage system, installing gate valves or check valves on your pipes can prevent sewage from backing up into your home.
Re-landscape your garden: If your lawn slopes towards your house, rainwater will run towards it and pool around the edges. You may need to hire a landscaper to regrade your garden and ensure that surface runoff is directed towards a more appropriate location.
Raise your home: Although this will be a costly and time-consuming operation, if your home is particularly at risk, it may benefit from being raised on stilts or piers to protect it. Even half an inch of floodwater can do significant damage, so raising your property above the flood level will make a massive difference.
What to do when flooding starts
If flooding has already started, or a storm is on its way, you will need to act quickly to ensure your home suffers minimal damage. Here are some of the steps you may need to take to protect your property.
- If the flooding is from your plumbing as opposed to bad weather, the first thing you should do is turn off the water line.
- Clear out gutters and drainage systems to allow water to flow through them freely.
- Add sandbags to the areas most likely to contribute to flooding.
- Protect as many valuables as possible by moving them to a higher level.
- Shut off your electricity at the circuit breaker, if it has not already been adequately safeguarded and raised above the flood level.
- Unless it is raining, you can improve the flow of air through your home by opening multiple windows. This will dry out your belongings and help water to move more freely through foundation vents.
- If you own a sump pump, turn it on right away to remove water as quickly as possible
- Document any flooding and damage with a camera to back you up when you claim with your flood insurance provider.
Flooding is often underestimated but can be ruinous to your home and your finances. By being prepared and taking precautionary measures, you can minimize the damage and protect yourself and your family.
