The answers to protect your home from hurricane water damage come from asking the right questions. And the right time to ask is before a threatening storm approaches. While you can't possibly cover every eventuality, you can greatly increase your odds of a less complicated recovery if you ask these eight questions and use the answers to protect your home from hurricane water damage before it strikes.
- What's the flood elevation of the house? Check your local emergency management agency for flood maps that estimate potential depth of flooding.
- Is the electrical panel higher than potential flood level? It should be at least one foot above the anticipated flood water. Hire an electrician to handle this.
- Are electrical outlets and switches above anticipated flood level? If not, consider contracting an electrician to raise them one foot above the potential high water mark.
- Are the washer and drier higher than the flood water mark? Some units can be raised on lumber or masonry. If not, consider relocating to an upper floor.
- How high are the furnace and water heater? Protect them from flood water damage by mounting on lumber or masonry supports. Some furnaces can be suspended from ceiling joists. If necessary, move them inside a flood wall or relocate to upper floor.
- Is the propane tank anchored? A floating tank that tips over can cause a fire. Anchor it securely to the floor. Check with your propane company before securing the tank.
- Will the floor drain allow sewage inside? Install a floating floor drain plug to automatically plug the drain if the sewer begins to backup.
- Is the sewer system backup-proof? A plumber can install an interior or exterior check valve to stop sewage back-flow.
For more answers to protect your home from hurricane water damage, contact Rytech.
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