Out of all the U.S. natural disasters declared by the President, 90% of them involve flooding.
Flood damage in and around your home can be devastating. It can cause severe structural damage, destroy belongings and even lead to the complete loss of your property.
Flooding can also be a major cause of personal injury and death. As a result, you need to protect your property from flooding.
In this article, we’ll look at some ways you can do so.
Create a Flood Protection Plan
A flood protection plan will help you detect and respond to a flooded property in the event of an emergency. It can also help you limit the damage and reduce the risk of injuries and death during a flood.
You must develop a flood protection plan with your local authority.
This will help you know what measures need to be taken to protect your property. It will also help ensure that everyone involved is clear about their responsibilities during an emergency.
Keep Your Gutters Clear
Gutters are an essential part of your property’s flood prevention plan.
They help to channel water away from the foundation of buildings and prevent it from pooling in low areas. If you have a gutter that’s clogged with leaves, sticks, and other debris, it won’t be able to do its job properly.
Clean your gutters at least once per year. You should also check them often during periods of heavy rainfall.
Use a Sump Pump
A sump pump is a mechanical device that pumps water out of the lowest point in your basement.
It works by drawing water away from the foundation of your house and draining it into an exterior drain or sewer line. You should install one if you have a finished basement, even if you don’t live there year-round.
This is especially important if you live in an area that gets a lot of rain and snow.
Install Check Valves
A check valve is a type of plumbing fitting that prevents water from flowing backward through pipes. It’s often used with sump pumps and other drainage systems to prevent sewage from backing up into your basement.
You should install a check valve on any pipe that connects your home to a sewer or septic system. If you don’t install one, water can flow back into the drainpipe when you turn on the sump pump.
Waterproof Your Walls
If you have a basement that’s prone to flooding, waterproof the walls.
This will help prevent water from seeping through cracks and crevices in your foundation. You can do this by applying a sealant or using a silicone caulk gun to fill the gaps between the wall and floorboards.
You can also install a vapor barrier to keep moisture from seeping into the basement. This will help prevent mold and mildew from growing on your walls.
Seal Leaking Pipes & Ducts
If you have leaking pipes or ducts in your basement, it’s time to repair them.
This is a good thing to do even if you don’t have any flooding problems. Leaking pipes can waste water and make your monthly bills higher than they should be. They also create a mess that you might not notice until it’s too late.
Inspect Your Roof
If you’ve never inspected your roof, now is the time. Make sure there are no holes or leaks and that the flashing around chimneys and skylights is in good condition.
Get up on the roof once every year and check for loose shingles or other problems. This is one part of your home that needs to be in good condition.
Seal Your Home’s Foundation
If you live in an area that gets a lot of snow and rain, your home’s foundation may need to be sealed. If it isn’t sealed, water will seep into the cracks and cause problems.
You can hire a professional to seal your foundation, or you can do it yourself. If you do it yourself, make sure that you read the instructions carefully and follow all of them.
Pay Attention to Air Circulation
You might not think about air circulation when you’re inspecting your home. However, it is an important part of preventing mold and mildew from growing.
If you have a basement, make sure there are vents on the floor or windows that let in fresh air from outside. If you don’t have a basement, make sure there are vents in each room that lead outside so that air can circulate through your house.
Invest in Sandbags
You can protect your home from flooding by investing in sandbags.
You can buy them at most hardware stores, or you can make your own with old trash bags. Fill them with dirt or sand and place them around your house to keep your belongings safe from flooding.
If you live in a flood zone, keep sandbags handy. You never know when a storm will hit and cause flooding.
Consider Flood Insurance
Flood insurance is a good idea for everyone. If you live near the ocean, in a floodplain, or near rivers, consider purchasing some type of flood insurance coverage.
It won’t be cheap, but it could save you thousands of dollars if your home is damaged by flooding.
Many people don’t think about flood insurance until there is a problem. But it’s always better to be prepared than to wish you had bought the coverage later.
If you need a flood insurance expert, click here.
Having a Plan Will Help Prevent Flood Damage
Preventing flood damage can be as easy as creating a simple plan of action. If you know what to do in case of flooding, you’re more likely to remember the steps when they’re needed.
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