5 Beginning Steps to Help Flood-Proof Your Home

December 26, 2010

According to the American Red Cross, flooding is responsible for almost 90 percent of the damage caused by national disasters. With more than 900 deaths and a cost of more than $4 billion a year since 1990, flooding is a very real and potentially costly event.

However, there are precautions you can take to protect your home from flood damage. From simple steps to those that may require the help of a professional contractor, all can contribute to a safer home in the event of a flood in your area. Outlined below are some beginning steps to take to protect your home.

Know your flood risk.

Both the Red Cross and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommend finding out your potential flood risk by contacting your local emergency management office, building department, or National Weather Service. Knowing the elevation of your home may be particularly helpful in estimating how much water might enter the home in the event of a flood.

Look into flood insurance.

Homeowner policies usually do not cover flood damage, so you may want to consider separate flood insurance for your home, especially if you live in a floodplain. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) offers flood insurance for homeowners. Policies generally take 30 days to go into effect, making it important to purchase flood insurance before a flood occurs.

Clean and repair gutters and downspouts.

Check to ensure that your gutters are clean and properly functioning. For every ten feet of gutter, there should be a slope of at least one-sixteenth of an inch, to carry water to the downspouts. Water should exit the downspouts well away from the home's foundation (about 6 to 10 feet). If your gutters and downspouts overflow on a regular basis, you may want to consider installing larger gutters or adding more downspouts.

Elevate large appliances like washers and dryers.

Washers and dryers can often be elevated on masonry or pressure-treated lumber, and should be raised at least 12 inches above the projected flood elevation. Another way to protect these appliances is to move them to a higher floor, or build a floodwall around them.

Seal basement and first-floor walls.

Use a waterproofing compound to seal basement and first floor walls inside your home. First take care of any cracks, then use the compound on the rest of the walls. While this job may take some time, it is not particularly difficult and can help to prevent water seepage during a flood.

Knowing your risk and preparing accordingly can help you, your family, and your home stay safe in the event of a flood. Follow these simple steps to begin safeguarding your home from floods.

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