Keeping Your Home Safe From Floods

11/14/2019 (Permalink)

A crucial element to flood safety is landscaping

Safety Tips To Help You Keep Your Home Protected

If you live in an area that is prone to flooding, you may worry about protecting your home from dangerous storms. Even if you live someplace that is not regularly threatened by high water, you should learn about flood safety, as it can happen anywhere. According to FEMA, flooding is the most dangerous disaster in the United States. Here are some important safety tips to help you keep your home protected.

1. Anchor and Elevate

Both indoor and outdoor elements should be above flood level. Check FEMA's website to find flood maps for your Park Ridge,IL, home. All electrical systems and components such as wiring and sockets need to be a foot above the level that water is expected to rise. Home appliances such as air conditioners, generators, and furnaces should be securely anchored and raised above this level as well.

2. Check Your Valves

Another way to help flood proof your home is to install backflow valves. All pipes that are connected to your home should have this safety measure. These valves prevent sewage from backing up into your home from an overloaded sewage system.

3. Evaluate Your Landscape

A crucial element to flood safety is landscaping. You want water to drain away from your foundation and property, so check and improve the slope if needed. Additionally, you can place rain barrels to prevent some water from reaching the ground. Keep drains, gutters, and downspouts, clean and free from debris which can create blockages.

3. Know Who to Call

In the event that a severe storm creates water damage, it's important to be prepared. Even the most well-protected properties can incur storm damage when the conditions are harsh enough. When it comes to water damage remediation, you want to have the contact information for professionals who can arrive quickly to your emergency. You should also keep insurance information on hand to begin your claim.
Dealing with flood safety issues can be daunting. Keep these tips in mind to help lessen the potential damage.