If you live nearby a river or dam, you would know the dangers of flooding. Floods are a hazard and can destroy homes and even take lives. Floods destroy hundreds of lives every year, sadly though not many people are armed with the right knowledge and tools to combat the dangers of flooding.
Don’t be complacent. Take matters into your own hands and make sure that your home is as floodproof as possible. Here are 7 highly effective ways you can floodproof your home.
Maintain an efficient drain system
If your area is prone to flooding, it is imperative that you maintain an efficient drain system around your house. This will help prevent floodwater from reaching your home. Make it a habit to doublecheck your drains for any blockage or clogging. Drains are usually clogged due to rotting leaves, dust, mud, and other debris getting stuck in the pipes. It is always a good practice to have a professional look into your drainage system regularly.
The basement is the most vulnerable part of your home to flooding. This is because it is below ground level, and there are various entryways that water can just seep in. When flooding occurs, it is usually the basement that gets flooded first. This is why you should make sure that all the entry points and drains are sealed properly. You won’t be able to totally keep floodwater out of your basement, but at least you can minimize the damage. If you have the funds, you can also invest in a pump. This will allow you to effectively expel water out of your basement.
Elevate your electrical appliances
One of the biggest risks during floods are electrical appliances getting wet. If flood water gets into your house and electrical appliances are drenched or even submerged, it becomes a recipe for disaster. At best the flood water will merely short circuit your appliances. The worst-case scenario is that the appliances conduct electricity into the water, making a deadly pool of electricity. So make it common practice to elevate your electrical appliances. You can place smaller electrical appliances on top of shelves or drawers. As for bigger appliances, you build a simple pedestal or base that would elevate them from ground level. Taking these precautions will help you save your appliances and prevent life-threatening situations.
Flood insurance is key
Although you have taken the steps to make your home as floodproof as possible, there will always be some type of damage to property during floods. So you will have to protect yourself as much as possible. This is why flood insurance is key. It might be a bit pricey, but at least you can be confident that you are protected should a flood occur.
Prepare floating gear
If you live anywhere near a river or dam, it is imperative that you have floating gear at the ready. This might seem a bit strange to store life jackets or swimming equipment in your home, but flash floods are very unpredictable, and you might find yourself woefully unprepared for emergency situations. By having floating gear at the ready, you will be able to stay afloat no matter how high the water rises.
You can also take your flood preparedness a whole new level by setting up a floating platform. These platforms can be made of wood or even better plastic. Plastic floating docks allow you to create floating platforms with minimal effort and cost. Having a floating platform at the ready may seem extravagant, but if a flash flood comes in, it may save your life.
Make your landscaping adapt to floods
Aside from drainage and floating apparatuses, one of the best ways you can make your home floodproof is through your landscaping. Make it a practice to dig depressions throughout your yard. This will help to steer off floodwater from your driveway and other cemented areas. You can also use more absorbent types of grass to soak up water, and help divert floodwater off your lawn.
You can also have sacks of dirt or gravel at the ready. By creating a barrier around your home and certain entryways, you could impede the flow of water to your home. If your home has a treehouse, it can also provide a source of shelter due to its height and elevation. Just make sure that it is properly reinforced.
Make sure your roof drains are clean
You should make it a habit to clean your roof drains of debris. When rains occur, the roof drains are responsible for draining the rainwater that accumulates on your roof. But if your roof drains are clogged up, the rainwater will only accumulate along with other debris. This can become a breeding place for mosquitos and other bacteria. It could also cause your roof to deteriorate due to rust and rot. Overall, it is very important that you clear your drains as much as possible.
Constant vigilance is key
If you live near a flood-prone area, it is always important that you stay vigilant. Once a river or dam overflows, you only have a few minutes to make it to higher ground before the flash floods come in. The flood usually brings a tremendous amount of debris along with it. Uprooted trees, cinder blocks, large appliances, and even cars have been known to get dragged along with the flood.
This makes flash floods even more dangerous because you can get bludgeoned to death by the debris. So make it a habit to listen for warnings from your local government. Once it has been confirmed that the river or dam is overflowing, take it as a cue to get ready. Gather your family together, put on your floating gear, and reinforce your home from the oncoming flood.
Conclusion
Flooding is one of the most dangerous natural disasters in the world. If you live nearby a river or dam, it can be difficult to fully protect your home from flooding. But with these great tips, you are armed with the right tools to stave off the flood.
If you’re interested in exploring highly effective floodproof home solutions, you could try here. This resource offers valuable insights and tips on fortifying your home against potential flood damage, ensuring greater protection for you and your property.
Creating a floodproof home involves not only preventative measures to minimize water entry but also preparing for a swift and effective response in the event of water intrusion. Despite the best preventive efforts, some floods can be unavoidable due to extreme weather events or sudden disasters. In such cases, the importance of professional water damage cleanup becomes paramount.
Quick action by experienced professionals can mitigate the long-term effects of water damage, prevent mold growth, and restore the safety and comfort of your home as quickly as possible. Engaging with experts who specialize in water damage restoration ensures that your home receives a thorough cleanup, drying, and restoration process, using the latest techniques and equipment to bring your property back to its pre-flood condition.
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