With floods washing up some parts of the United Kingdom, there’s a debate going around regarding how to manage and prevent floods. According to some people, floods are common because of inadequate measures, and government bodies don’t do enough to prevent the calamities. Aside from political views, there is no denying that weather patterns are changing globally. Among the side effects of this global change is the increased intensity and frequency of torrential rainstorms. For people residing downstream of any waterway, flooding will be disastrous. To properly protect your home, here are great ways to flood-proof:
Establish a Flood-Proof Home
It may seem nearly impossible to entirely flood-proof 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 flood-proof 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 a 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 also includes a few zone markings with every region’s risks and their 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 that water from flood zones can drain. Other zones may include:
- Orange
- Blue
- Yellow
Set up Sewage Water Backstop
Cities, which 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 drain backs after every heavy storm, make sure you install a water backstop and other devices from a company like Pumpbiz.
Put Dry Floodproofing into Consideration
If you have plans of letting 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 entry points of airbricks.
Get a Flood Insurance
Most people living in high-risk zones assume that the government-issued disaster programs will help recover their damaged and lost properties. Emergency funds are inadequate, and 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 lives 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 flood-proof home to getting insurance and assessing the risks, most of these methods have been used for decades by individuals staying in coastal or riverine areas. This means that they can also work well for you.
