4 Tips for Protecting Your Home From a Flood

1/12/2021 (Permalink)

Shut off electricity at your breaker panel

Measures To Take To Increase Flood Safety

Flooding causes billions of dollars in damage to homes and other property every year in the United States. It is not practical to flood-proof your home; however, there are measures you can enact to increase flood safety and reduce flood damage.

1. Locate Electrical Equipment Above Flood Level
Wiring, circuit breakers, switches, and sockets should be installed at least one foot higher than the expected flood level in your area. If your water heater, furnace, or other anchored indoor equipment is not already above the flood level, modify it so that it is.

2. Don't Forget Last Minute Measures
Some flood safety steps should be taken far in advance, but there are still steps you can take when flooding is imminent. Clean debris out of your gutters and downspouts. Shut off electricity at your breaker panel. Place major appliances on concrete blocks. Move furniture, electronics, rugs, and other valuable contents to the top floor of your home. If your belongings get wet, consider contacting a flood restoration company in Stockertown, PA, to clean and dry them.

3. Elevate and Anchor Outdoor Equipment
Fuel tanks, generators, and air-conditioning units located below the flood level outdoors can break free causing ground contamination. Elevate these items above the flood level and anchor them so they can not easily be swept away.

4. Modify Your Landscaping
Observe how water flows around your house during a rainstorm. If it is collecting in areas near your home, it can be helpful to modify your landscaping to direct water away from your home. Consider adding features such as swales or rain gardens. If your yard doesn't slope away from your home, you may need to have it graded. Add native plants that increase drainage.
Having a flood safety plan is critical for protecting your family and your home from flood hazards. These four safety tips can help you prepare for a flood situation in your home.