Animated How-To's: Floods
Floods are one of the most powerful, deadly, and destructive natural disasters.
There are a number of relatively inexpensive steps you can take to protect your home and property before a flood strikes.
If you are building or retrofitting your home consider these recommendations:
Elevate your home
- Consider wet flood proofing An example of wet flood proofing is installing flood vents that create permanent openings in the foundations walls so water can flow through the structure.
- Dry flood proofing prevents floodwaters from entering the building. Install new brick veneer over asphalt coating and apply polyethylene film over existing walls.
- Construct non-supporting, break-a-way walls designed to collapse under the force of water without causing damage to the house or its foundation.
Additional Recommendations
Here are some additional recommendations to protect your home from floods. Some are simple and inexpensive; others require a professional contractor.
- Locate the main electric panel and elevate all electric outlets, switches, light sockets, baseboard heaters and wiring at least 12" above the projected flood elevation. In areas that could get wet, connect all receptacles to a GFI circuit to avoid the risk of shock or electrocution. Have electrical wiring done by a licensed electrician.
- Elevate the furnace, water heater, washer and dryer, outside air conditioning compressor, heat pump or package unit at least 12" on a base of masonry, concrete or pressure treated lumber.
- Anchor fuel tanks securely to the floor. Make sure vents and fill line openings are above projected flood levels.
- Install a floating floor drain plug at the current drain location. If the floor drain backs up, the float will rise and plug the drain. Also have a licensed plumber install an interior or exterior backflow valve to prevent floodwater causing sewage to back up and enter your home. As a last resort, use large corks or stoppers to plug showers, tubs or basins.
Get Flood Insurance
One of the most important things you can do to protect your home and family before a flood is to purchase a federal flood insurance policy. But don't wait until a flood is coming. Itnormally takes 30 days after purchase for fl ood insurance to go into effect.
Visit www.flash.org or call toll-free (877) 221-SAFE for more information about protecting your home from disaster.
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