Flooding is the most common weather-related natural disaster in the United States, affecting areas both coastal and inland. Therefore, preparing your home for a flood is crucial, even if you live in a region that has never flooded. The Great Lakes area along with surrounding Northwest Iowa communities just recently faced catastrophic flooding. Here’s how you can prepare your home to minimize flood damage.
Long-Term Flooding Preparations
First, and foremost, raise your electrical system. You should elevate electrical components above the 100-year-flood zone, including wiring, circuit break boxes, switches, and outlets.
Next, consider platforming your water heater. Installing a concrete pier or purchasing a water heater stand can elevate your water heater, protecting it from flood damage.
Additionally, installing a back flow valve is essential. These reverse flow valves can prevent flood water from entering your home through dishwashers, sinks, washing machines, and toilets.
Medium-Term Flooding Preparations
Planning is a crucial medium-term step. Identify higher ground and plan at least two evacuation routes. Ensure you know what essentials to take with you in an emergency.
Sandbagging can be quite effective. Sandbags can help divert water away from your home. You should fill them halfway with sand and use them in conjunction with plastic sheeting and sump pumps. Remember to plan for disposal as they may have been contaminated.
In addition to the above, anchoring propane or oil tanks is important. Secure these tanks to the ground to prevent them from being swept away by floodwaters.
You should prepare your dock area. Remove your boat from out of it’s hoist and store it inland. Fill trash cans with water and place them on the corners of your dock to try to anchor your dock and minimize risk of it breaking apart. Limit loose items such as unsecured lawn chairs, toys, and other materials that could be swept away.
Short-Term Flooding Preparations
When it comes to short-term preparations, elevate your belongings. Move expensive and important items to the second flood, attic, or upper cabinets and countertops. Disconnect all appliances and electronic devices from outlets and elevate them if possible.
Another key step is to shut off utilities. Turn off your water supply, gas line, and electricity.
Lastly, if an evacuation order is issued, evacuate immediately with your emergency kit and essential items. It is crucial to avoid walking or driving through moving water.
Planning Is Key
Even if you’re not in a known floodplain, you should always be preparing your home for a flood if you live near bodies of water or in low-lying areas. Here are additional steps:
- Get Flood Insurance: Homeowner’s insurance doesn’t cover flood damage. FEMA estimates that one inch of floodwater can cause $25,000 in damage.
- Protect Utilities: Elevate HVAC units and other utilities.
- Direct Water Flow: Extend downspouts away from your home and ensure the ground slopes away from your foundation.
- Waterproof Your Basement: Use waterproofing compounds on basement walls.
- Clear Gutters and Downspouts: Keep them free of debris to allow water to flow freely.
- Install Check Valves: Prevent sewage backups by installing check valves in floor drains.
- Stockpile Emergency Materials: Keep plywood, lumber, plastic sheeting, and sandbags on hand.
Emergency Preparations
- Know Your Flood Risk: Use FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center.
- Sign Up for Alerts: Register for community warning systems and use NOAA Weather Radio for updates.
- Create an Emergency Kit: Include water, non-perishable food, a radio, first aid supplies, a flashlight, and extra batteries.
- Protect Important Documents: Keep them in waterproof containers or create digital copies.
- Practice Evacuation Routes: Have multiple routes and know where shelters are located.
- Inspect Your Sump Pump: Ensure it’s operational and has backup power.
When a Flood is Imminent
- Staying informed through emergency notifications via local media, community. notifications, and the FEMA app is essential.
- Gather supplies to ensure you have enough food, water, and medical supplies for several days.
- Preparing your home for a flood by clearing gutters, elevating furniture, and unplugging utilities.
- Take safety precautions to avoid electrical hazards and follow evacuation orders.
By following these steps, you can better protect your home and family from the devastating effects of flooding. Whether you’re preparing for a potential threat or responding to an imminent flood, planning and taking the right actions can make a significant difference.
If you have any questions related to preparing your home for flooding, don’t hesitate to contact us! Visit our Contact Page!
