Flooding is the most common and one of the costliest weather disasters in the U.S., according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

According to National Geographic, floods take the lives about 140 people and result in $6 billion in damages every year. Floods have become a massive problem for homeowners, living in flood zones.

Whether you live in a flood zone or not, protecting your home from water damage is a must. You need to take measures to protect your home from floods. Here are a few flood prevention tips that all homeowners should follow:

Obtain Flood Insurance Coverage

If you do not have flood insurance coverage, you need to talk to your insurance company about getting one. Your homeowners insurance coverage does not cover the damages caused by flood. Flood insurance coverage is a separate policy from your homeowners insurance coverage that you will need to get. Some areas may make it a mandatory requirement for you to obtain flood insurance due to the likelihood of it experiencing a flood in the year.

Whether you live in a high-risk or low-risk area, you need to obtain flood insurance coverage, as flooding can occur anywhere. Flood insurance coverage has two parts. The first part covers the building whereas the second part covers the contents or personal belongings of the home.

You need to work with your insurance company to find the best possible insurance coverage for you and your home. You have the option to adjust your premiums, deductible, and limits to suit the requirements of your home.

 

Inspect the Electrical and Climate Systems in Your Home

You need to inspect the circuit breakers, sockets, wiring, and switches in your home. You need to make sure they are at least one foot above the flood level in your location. In addition to this, you need to alter your water heater, furnace, and any other equipment in your home, placing them above your home’s flood level. You also need to do the same thing with the outdoor equipment.

You need to elevate and attach the outdoor equipment, such as heating and cooling systems, generators, and fuel tanks above the flood level. For instance, failure to place and attach the fuel tanks above flood level can break free and damage the supply lines, leading them to contaminate the surface.

 

Alter the Water Valves

Flooded sewer systems can result in sewage to back up into the property. You need to install either an exterior or interior backflow water valve such as the gate valve, which are more complex and need to be operated by hand. Even though this may seem like an inconvenience at first, it will strengthen the seals. The downside to check valves and flaps are that they open automatically, allowing the water to flow outside and then close when the water attempts to enter inside.

You should install gate valves on all the pipes that go into the home. Moreover, examine the direction the water flows around your property. For instance, the slope or grading of the surface can direct the water to or away from your property. Make sure that the water drains away from your home.

You can determine this by looking at how the water flows or collects during rain. If the street your home is located is prone to have standing water after rain, talk to the proper authority in your area to deal with this situation. They can provide you with suggestions on how to deal with the problem.

 

More Flood Prevention Tips

Here are a few other flood prevention tips for you:

• Clean the gutters and drainage spots connected to your roof at least two times each year.
• Make sure that the ground area that is within 10 feet of your property angles away from the foundation of your home.
• Extend and angle downspouts at least 10 feet away from your property.
• Direct water flow away from your property.
• Get professionals to inspect the roof of your home at least once each year.
• Reduce the risk of flooding or mudslide by taking care of your landscaping.
• Stay alert, keeping an eye out for flooding (look for water damage and mold and mildew growth on the walls and ceilings of your home, the base of your attic rood sheathing, the water dripping, and mold water pooling inside your property).

 

More importantly, you need to plan ahead. In the event flooding happens in your area and your home becomes affected, you need to turn off all the main switches and valves of your home. If you know how to react quickly, you can save your home from flood damage. You need to take these measures and follow these tips to ensure water damage due to flooding is the least of your worries.

Even if you have taken measures to better protect your home, you can always do more in the event your area experiences a flood and water rises. As the water rises, you need to clear the gutters, downspouts, and drains, move rugs, furniture, electronics, and personal belongings to upper floors or at least elevate them off the surface, turn off power at the break panel, and place all major appliances above the ground floor and onto concrete blocks whether there is a risk of them of being flooded or not.

You also need to get flood insurance to cover the costs of water damage. If you do not get flood insurance coverage and experience flooding, you will find yourself paying money out of your own pocket. That is why, obtaining flood insurance coverage is the first step to protect your home and bank account from potential damage and losses caused by flooding.