With floods washing up in some parts of the United Kingdom, there’s a debate regarding managing and preventing floods. Some say floods are common because of inadequate measures, and government bodies don’t do enough to avert the calamities. Aside from political views, there is no denying that weather patterns are changing globally. The increased intensity and frequency of torrential rainstorms are among the side effects of this global change. For people residing downstream of any waterway, flooding will be disastrous. To properly protect your home, here are great ways to floodproof:
Establish a Floodproof Home
It may seem nearly impossible to entirely floodproof your home, though some steps can help you reduce the effects of damage. Doing repairs after flooding may not be enough. You may also need to take a detailed assessment of the risks of constructing a home at flood-prone locations. Other than structural measures, you can also floodproof your home by having plans to use emergency measures, like moving your home valuables and sandbagging, to mention a few.
Determine the Risks
Assessing the risks of flood in the place where you live is important. The flood map service of FEMA may allow you to check the risks in your region. To do this, you will need your address. The map service includes zone markings with every region’s troubles and relevant structures, including levees and bridges. Zones like blue with red stripes are regulatory floodways. They include a river and are usually kept clear so water from flood zones can drain. Other zones may consist of:
- Orange
- Blue
- Yellow
Set up Sewage Water Backstop
Cities that deal with costly and persistent stormwater flooding, such as Chicago, use municipal programs. These programs help to fund the installation of backflow valves. If the floor of your basement drains back after every heavy storm, install a water backstop and other devices from a company like Pumpbiz.
Put Dry Floodproofing into Consideration
If you plan to let floodwater reach your home, you may need to ensure the walls are watertight. You can achieve this with a sealant or by constructing an effective waterproof membrane. This may include waterproofing your windows and doors. Apart from that, you may also seal or raise the entry points of airbricks.
Get a Flood Insurance
Most people in high-risk zones assume government-issued disaster programs will help recover damaged and lost properties. Emergency funds are inadequate; standard insurance coverage will not insure your properties against flood damages. Therefore, homeowners living in a 100-year floodplain should get flood insurance. In some states, it’s also a requirement for homeowners with federally-backed mortgages and live in flood zones to have insurance.
The Bottom Line!
As floods become severe and frequent, protecting your home is extremely important. As a homeowner, you may need to take steps to protect your home from flood threats. From dry floodproofing and establishing a floodproof home to getting insurance and assessing the risks, most of these methods have been used by individuals in coastal or riverine areas for decades. This means that they can also work well for you.
