What if you never even saw the flood coming?
Floods are some of the most
destructive forces nature can bring down on a building. When rainwater and
storm surges combine, they can cause your home to deteriorate faster than you
can imagine.
The average flood damage in the U.S.
from 1988 to 2017 was $199 billion. What
are you supposed to do then?
Nothing happens overnight, but there
are steps you can take right now to improve the flood safety of your residence.
If you want to learn more, keep reading to explore some helpful tips and
tricks.
Insure
Your Property
Get a Flood insurance policy. You
must purchase flood insurance separately through the NFIP or a private
insurance company, more of this information on betterflood.com. By doing this, the insurance company will reimburse you
for any damages to your home due to a flood.
Raise
Your Home
One of the best flood damage
prevention is to raise your home. It will help to keep your home dry and safe
in the event of a flood.
You can raise your home by using
jacks or lifting it with a crane. You can raise it on stilts or elevated
platforms above the floodwaters.
Use
Sandbags
Sandbags are an effective way to
prevent or reduce home flood damage. Place sandbags around the perimeter of
your home, starting at the lowest point.
Stack the sandbags on each other,
creating a wall of protection. Placing sandbags around your home can help keep
water from entering your home and causing severe damage.
Keep
Gutters Clean
Clogged gutters can lead to water
buildup and eventually cause your roof to collapse. Water can also seep into
your home through cracks in the foundation and cause mold and mildew to grow.
To prevent these disasters, cleaning your gutters regularly and repairing any
damage to your home's foundation is essential.
Install
Check Valves in Sewer Traps
You are preventing flood damage in
your home by installing check valves in sewer traps. It will help to avoid the
backflow of water and sewage into your home. It is also a good idea to have a
backup pump system in case of power outages.
Elevate
Electrical Appliances
This will help to prevent them from
being damaged by floodwaters. Install your furnace, water heater, and
electrical panel on elevated blocks or platforms in case of flooding. You can
either elevate them yourself or hire a professional to do it for you.
Seal
Foundation Cracks and Openings
Water can enter your home through
cracks and openings in the foundation during a flood. You can seal foundation
cracks and gaps to help protect your home from storm damage.
You will need to purchase a sealant
from a hardware store and then apply the sealant to the cracks and openings. It
will help to prevent water from entering your home and causing damage.
Prevent
and Prepare for Flood Damage
If you live in an area prone to
flooding, it's essential to take steps to protect your home. Flooding can cause
serious damage to your home and property and can even be deadly.
Many ways to protect your home from
flood damage include elevation, flood proofing, and flood insurance. Take
action now to protect your home from deadly flood damage.
Did you find this post about how to
protect your home helpful?
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