Home Improvements & Repairs

If you live on the flood plain, then you know you need to lessen the effects of flood damage. These floods can’t be predicted, so making sure you have steps in place to protect the integrity of your home is important. You should always follow the evacuation plans if they come up, and remember to keep your safety first.

You need to evaluate how much risk your home is in from flooding. You will also need to try and figure out how much damage by floods could potentially be caused. There are flood maps you can look at to help find this out, or your city water works can help you obtain a copy of it.

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.

In basements, you will want to have a working floor drain. You can also have a floating plug installed that can help to open the drain when it floods. Once it’s been installed, you will need to check it on occasion to make sure that it will work when you need it and is free from clogs.

A sewage back flow can be installed by a plumber to keep damage from sewage and water from happening. In a flood, this blocks any backup from the sewage from seeping into your home. If it does, this can be a costly, and gross, cleanup.

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.

If where you live has a basement, you will want to install a sump pump. You will also need to make sure you have backup power available. This can remove water from your basement and home quickly and keep the damage to the walls and foundation lower then letting the water drain naturally.

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 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 flood damage.

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