Floods can be devastating to your home. This is especially true if you live in an area that is prone to natural disasters from floods or hurricanes. As global warming increases the likelihood of flooding across the world, it is more important than ever to have some plans in place to prevent against this eventuality. However, this guide has you covered with five key tips to implement, so that you can make sure you are protected from the worst any flooding has to offer.
Evaluate the Risk
Understanding the level of risk you are at is essential to the type of reaction you should have against flooding. It is recommended to take a look at the FEMA website to double check which type of risk-zone you might be in before taking any steps against what may occur. Just be aware that flooding does not only happen in risk zones and can also arise from man-made disasters. No matter where you live, it makes sense to:
Waterproof Your Basement
Waterproofing your basement is the best way to sleep safely at night while knowing that you are less likely at risk of serious flooding. If you are not sure where to start when it comes to waterproofing your basement, then there is absolutely no shame in bringing in a third party who can do the hard work when it comes to basement waterproofing in Columbia for you!
Double Check Your Pipes
Leaky or malfunctioning pipes which have been rusting or have the wrong pressure valve can pose a serious risk to your house and the livelihood of yourself and your family. That is why it makes sense to double-check all your pipes at least once a year in order to make sure that you are not at risk of any nasty bursts.
Clear out Gutters and Drains
Dangerous flooding can be seriously exacerbated by gutters and drains that are clogged. Whether it is leaves or other objects, they pose the very serious potential of not doing their job, leading the water to overflow and then drastically damage your house. It is recommended to double-check and clean out the gutters of your house at least once or twice a month to make sure that this kind of event does not happen to you. If you live in an area that is more prone to flooding than others, it makes sense to invest in some storm drains that can better absorb a much larger influx of water, especially during heavy rainfall.
Raise Your Home
If you have a free-standing house, it might make sense to invest in ways that you can raise its elevation. These types of structures are common to many houses that live in swamplands, for example in marshy states such as Louisiana and Florida. It does not have to be raised that significantly either; it has been proven that raising the elevation of your house by just a couple of inches can make a serious difference when it comes to preventing flooding.