With 41 million Americans living in flood zones, the concern about water damage to the home can be high. Every time a storm is rolling through, these people cringe as they imagine the damage that living in a flood plain might do to their home.
If you’re one of them, it’s important to make sure that you’ve done everything you can in terms of flood prevention. You should also know what to do if water does get into your home.
Read on to discover all of the things you can do to prevent the flood, and how to prepare for the worst if it occurs.
1. Make Sure All Basement Walls Are Sealed
Sealing your basement walls with waterproofing compounds is essential in a flood plain, as that’s where the water is likely to seep in. Even a quick bout of heavy rain could cause the water near you to overflow, and it’s going to enter your home from the bottom.
When it comes to knowing how to prevent basement flooding, constructing barriers is also a good idea if possible.
2. Make Sure Your Water Heater and Electric Panel Are Elevated
The last thing you want is for your water heater and electric panel to be damaged. If water gets into the home it might ruin your flooring and any belongings it can reach, but it’s essential that the main components of your house are out of harm’s way!
There may be a time you can’t prevent basement flooding but by ensuring they’re elevated, you’re making the recovery process from flood damage a lot easier.
3. Have an Emergency Kit Ready
Although your flood prevention methods are hopefully foolproof, it’s important to have a kit ready if you do need to evacuate.
Make sure it has water, snack bars, any medication you and your family might need, a flashlight, phone chargers, and any important documents. These are the things you would need at a minimum to survive for a few days after leaving the house.
4. Get Insurance
If you live in a flood plain, you’re going to want insurance. Otherwise, those repairs could get costly if a flood occurs.
When it comes to insurance for anything, you should explore your options. Read carefully about what each policy covers and make sure it’s right for you.
5. Disinfect Anything Flood Water Has Touched
Because flood water can have any amount of dangerous chemicals and unhygienic substances in it, it’s important to be thorough when cleaning up a mess. Disinfect anything that’s been touched by floodwater.
This is especially important to do quickly if you have small children and pets.
Flood Prevention is Essential if You Live in a Flood Plain
Flood prevention can seem like an arduous task but if you live in a flood plain, it’s necessary. Seal up those basement walls, construct barriers, and have your insurance plan in place, and you’ll thank yourself later if the worst ever does occur.
For more tips about the home, check out the rest of our blog!
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