Flooding presents the most frequent as well as costliest damage to homes in
the U.S. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, no home can be
considered totally immune to flood risk from some source—indoor or outdoor. So, every
home can benefit from advance preparation. Even one inch of water inside a
residence can cause significant damage. Because flooding often occurs without
advance warning, the time to get ready for flood emergencies is now.
- Check the flow of water outside during average
rainfall. Does water flow toward the exterior wall and foundation of the
house instead of away? In flood conditions, this can provide an entry
point into the house. The landscape around the perimeter of the house
should be graded so water drains away from the house and standing water
does not accumulate, even in heavy rain. Also, maintain gutters and
downspouts to ensure that roof runoff is properly collected and diverted
at least three feet away from the house. - Do you live in an area with a naturally high water
table? Rising groundwater may surge upward into the basement or crawl
space during heavy rain or outdoor flooding. A sump pump with battery backup feature should be
installed in the lowest point of the basement floor or inside the crawl
space to automatically actuate and pump out intruding water. - Install a sewer backflow valve. If the municipal sewer
system is swamped by floodwater, sewage may back up and enter the house
through drains and toilets. Raw sewage is extremely toxic and requires extensive
remediation to make the house safe to occupy. A backup valve installed in
your sewage line prevents raw sewage from flowing backwards into the house. - Know how to turn off electricity safely. Indoor
flooding can cause electrocution hazards. Know the location of your home's
main electrical panel and how to quickly shut off electricity before
floodwater threatens. If the area near the electrical panel is already
flooded or even wet, stay away. Call an electrician to shut off
electricity at the meter.
