How To Reduce Your Flooding Damage Risk At Home

When Mother Nature strikes, her effects are unpredictable. Between hurricanes, flash floods or even heavy rains for an extended period of time, homes can be left vulnerable to the destruction of flooding. Flooding can also be the result of a burst pipe or improper bathroom installations. Sometimes the damage can be minimal, other times, it can be catastrophic. It can be a scary and overwhelming experience but no matter the cause of your flooding, there are some ways that you can reduce your flooding damage risk at home.

Determine Your Flood Risk

In the case of natural occurrences, it is helpful to determine your home’s flood risk. The entire country has been mapped and graded by FEMA based on its risk of flooding. Zones are characterized by high risk, moderate risk or low risk. Once you enter your home address on their website and receive your results, you can learn more about your own flood zone and what comes along with it. You can also check your base flood elevation (BFE) which is how high water is probable to reach in your home if a major flood comes to your area. Knowing your BFE can potentially help when placing items in your home. For instance, if you are in a moderate to high risk flood area, you may choose to store your most valuable items higher or on the second floor.

Evaluate And Repair Your Home

There are so many benefits to investing in a structurally sound home, though costs can tend to be high at times. Gutters should not only be installed but also kept clean and free of debris. They should also be securely hung. Your home’s roof should be in good condition as well. Even though it can be costly to install or repair a roof, it can be the difference between spending money on a roof to protect you and your family or spending money on water damage repairs. It is also a good idea to check the entire home for any leaks and repair them. If possible, external walls should be sealed to discourage water from being able to seep in. Outside the home, you should pay attention to the patterns of standing water around your property and if possible, contact your county to help improve drainage if possible. Driveways and sidewalks should also be examined to ensure water doesn’t pool or create direct channels to your home from broken infrastructure.

Turn Off Electricity

If flooding is imminent, it is highly suggested to turn off the electricity before flood waters invade as your home’s electrical system can cause harm to people. It is important to be safe while doing this which means not wading through flood water to do so. When able to safely, shut off breakers and unscrew fuses. If flood water is approaching your electrical entrance box, call the power supplier to have the electrical supply disconnected from the home.

Though most cases of flooding are unexpected and can’t exactly be planned for, it is best to be aware of your risk, keep your home in good repair and shutting down electricity during or after a flood. If flooding does cause damage to your home, there are many aspects involved and possible dangers, especially in severe cases. It is best to leave water damage and/ or storm damage restoration and possible repairs to the professionals.

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