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House Flooded Prevention

Floods are one of the most common and most destructive natural disasters in the United States.  They can be local, affecting only a small area, or large scale, affecting entire regions and multiple states.

Floods can develop slowly, over a period of several days, or they can occur suddenly and without warning, even without visible signs of rain.  Floods can be caused by any number of reasons…rivers can overflow their banks, sewage systems can malfunction and back up, and levees and dams can break….they are impossible to predict and no one is immune from their effects, but you can make smart decisions now that will affect the outcome.

Know the area where you live or plan to live.  Is it low lying?  Near streams or rivers?  Is it in a flood zone or near a flood plain?  Is there any history of flood events?

Do not build in a flood plain.  Elevate furnace, water heaters and electric panels several feet off the floor in the event of a flood.

Regularly inspect your basement for any leaks, crack, or broken seals that could allow water in.  

Do you have flood insurance?  If not, get it now.  Floods can occur anywhere, and at any time.  Protect yourself and your possessions.

Have an emergency bag packed in case you need to evacuate suddenly.  Fill it with clothes to last a few days, food, bottled water, extra cash, and a battery operated radio (with extra batteries).

Have an evacuation route planned, and at the risk of insulting your intelligence, make sure it is one that leads to higher ground!

Lastly, contact a local, IICRC certified water damage repair company who can take care of your home if it is damaged by flood waters.