subject: Ways To Avoid Flood Damage To Your Home [print this page] Ways To Avoid Flood Damage To Your Home Ways To Avoid Flood Damage To Your Home
Nobody wants to experience the cost and cleanup associated with substantial flood damage to their home and property. But there are several proactive steps you can take to prevent damage in the event of flooding in your area. Depending on the type of flood hazards in your area, the type of property, and the building and zoning codes, some methods can be simple and relatively inexpensive. Others may require the hiring of a professional.
Be prepared in advance. Contact your local authorities for information about flooding and ask to see a flood map for your community. The projected flood elevation for your area will help to determine how much water you can expect to come in.
Do you have flood insurance? Do you have enough flood insurance? No matter what type of efforts you take to protect your home from flood damage, you still should have enough insurance if you live in a flood zone. Remember most homeowners' policies do not protect you from flooding, so you may need to purchase a separate policy.
You should make sure that your electrical switchbox, washer and dryer, furnace, and water heater are above potential flood waters. Your electric panel board (circuit breakers and fuses) should be at least 12 inches above the potential flood elevation for your home. This height is regulated by code. Have all electrical work done by a licensed electrician.
To protect against shallow flood waters, the washer and dryer should be elevated at least 12 inches above the projected flood levels. You can elevate the appliances on pressure-treated lumber. Another option is to build a floodwall around the washer and dryer.
Your water heater and furnace can be placed on concrete blocks at least 12 inches above expected flood levels. You can also move them to a higher floor or build a floodwall around them. Remember that all work must be up to your local and state codes.
Another preventative measure you can take is to make sure your floor drain has a float plug. If the floor drain pipe were to ever back up, the float will rise and plug your drain. Also make sure your sewer system has a backflow valve to ensure that flood waters do not enter the sewer system, causing sewage to back up and enter your home. A licensed plumber can install the valve for you.
These tips should help you prevent flood damage to many areas of your home.
