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When it comes to living in a flood-prone area, it is important that you are as prepared as possible. You could be living near a river, or a dam, and if the storms come in, heavy rainstorms usually ensue. If you live in these conditions, it is important that you prepare your home for any eventuality. Here are some key tips for flood proofing your home.
Check The Risks Of Flooding
If you are living in a flood-prone area, there will always be a chance where flash floods will occur. Before you start making changes, it is important that you assess the risks involved. Remember that living near any body of water has its fair share of risks. There is always a risk of the river overflowing, and it is up to you to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of living in the area.
As a precaution it is a good idea to check with experts on flooding prevention, and consult them on the best ways to prevent a flood from occurring. Even if you do your best to fortify your home, disasters could still occur. In these instances, you will need to purchase flood insurance. By doing so, you will at least be protected in case a flood happens.
Install A Backstop For Your Sewage
One of the most dangerous aspects of flooding is that it might get into your basement area. This is a bad situation because once flood water gets into the basement, it will not only destroy everything inside the basement, it will also be very difficult to drain out. By installing a backstop for your sewage.
The backstop is a kind of reservoir where your excess sewage or water goes to. When you construct your sewage backstop, you should consult with knowledgeable websites such as guyabouthome. It is a site that has a myriad of great home improvement tips, and it could provide you with the best tips for constructing your sewage backstop.
Elevate Your Boiler And Pipes
When a flood hits your home, it is important that you elevate your boiler and your pipes. The boiler is one of the most vulnerable pieces of equipment in your home because it is usually placed in the basement area. If the water manages to get in, it will be the boiler, and its various pipes and valves that will get damaged.
As a rule it is important that you place the boiler on an elevated platform. This will prevent the boiler system from getting damaged. Aside from the boiler itself, it is also a good idea to invest in waterproof pipes and valves. If you want good quality ball valves with bleeder and other valve options, you should check out SIO. The company is a well respected valve manufacturer, and they could provide you with the best quality valves in the market.
Elevate Your Home If Possible
If it is possible, you should make it a priority to elevate your home. This is especially true for homes that are on the same level as the river or any body of water. Elevating your home could be a bit pricey and might take some time and effort, however, it is very effective because it will help stop floodwaters from getting into your home.
Create Mini Canals In Your Lawn
One way you could lessen the danger of flood waters getting to your home, is to install mini canals on your lawn. By doing so, you will be able to divert the flow of water away from your home, and back onto the street.
If you are going to create mini canals in your law, it is important that you plan it out carefully. Don’t just make holes around your home. Instead, you should dig deep rivulets that lead the water outside your lawn and back onto the street. Aside from making your canals deep, it is a good idea to have them lined with concrete. This will help the water move out of your lawn faster.
Build A Floodwall
If you want a very strong and efficient bulwark against floodwaters, the best way to do this, is to create a floodwall. A floodwall is a kind of barrier that will stop the bulk of the floodwaters from getting into your home. They are usually made up of sand bags, and backed up further by a concrete wall that has a deep foundation.
Install Flood Vents
Even if you have a flood wall, there will be times where the water will manage to get into the house. This is a dangerous prospect, because the flood waters will not only wash away your belongings, it might also destroy your home’s foundations.
This is where flood vents come in handy. Flood vents are specially made openings in your home that will allow the water to flow past your home. This construct is particularly effective if you pair it with an elevated platform.
One way to add flood vents in your home, is to create a strong foundation, and yet create pathways wherein the water will flow. Think of it as a sort of canal system under your home.
Keep Medical Supplies
There will be times where you might get injured during the flood. As a precaution it is important that you have a medical kit at the ready. Fill it up with bandages, splints, and antiseptics. It is also a good idea to have a blood pressure monitor just in case you need to check your blood pressure.
Conclusion
If you are going to flood proof your home, you should know that it will be a difficult and multifaceted process. It could be somewhat costly, however, it will all be worth it, just as long as you keep your family safe. With these tips, you will be able to flood proof your home in the best way possible.
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I really wish we would have paid more attention to everything when we bought our home. Turns out, Aztec New Mexico experiences quite a bit of winter flooding with snow. Luckily, we at least got good home insurance and the first year we were here we found a phenomenal water damage restoration service. But we still need to flood proof a little more so we don’t have to keep using them haha Thanks for sharing your tips. I’m already looking forward to implementing them.