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Taking steps to prepare your home, business, and car for flood damage can save you large amounts of money when assessing the impact of flooding.
According to FEMA, flooding has the most potential of any natural disaster to cause major damage worldwide. Statista reports flood damage "has cost over $3 billion in the United States in 2021".
- Know your local flood zones. Local government will often have flood maps that show which areas are prone to flooding. Knowing if your house or business is located in flood zones will help you best prepare and know what kind of damage to expect.
- Renovate your basement and its wiring. For those looking to prepare with plenty of time in advance, consider hiring a professional (see tips below) to waterproof your basement and raise your electrical systems and appliances high enough to avoid the average flood levels of your area. Sump pumps can remove standing water and ensure it has a battery backup.
- Check your plumbing. During floods, the rising water can push sewage in the wrong direction through your plumbing, causing wastewater to come through your drains, toilets, and sinks. Ensure your house or business has backwater (or backflow) valves to stop sewer backups. Stay proactive to keep your pipes clear to avoid blockage.
- Install a water alarm. Water alarms can alert you to flooding in lower levels of your house or business, especially useful during flash or nighttime flooding.
- Regularly clean your drains and gutters. If your drainage systems are blocked, water can cause extra damage as it accumulates. Ensuring your drainage systems are clean will help keep rain and floodwater from rising at your home.
- Secure your outdoor belongings. When your weather service alerts you to the potential of flooding, secure indoors your porch and backyard belongings that could be washed away during a flood before evacuation.
- Elevate your indoor belongings. Besides taking irreplaceable and vital information with you, other valuables or expensive items should be elevated as much as possible. Move furniture, valuables, and appliances above the expected flood level, like to the upper floors of your house.
- Learn to turn off your utilities and water safely. Water, gas, and electricity don't mix in flooding and can cause devastating and unsafe conditions for your home. Learning to turn off your gas, water, and electricity safely can save you from major damage to your home and business. In the case of a flood warning, shut off your breakers, gas, and water, and unplug everything from the walls if you can do so safely. Never try to turn off or use electricity if you have to stand in water. Never walk into a flooded room if you believe there may be live outlets, appliances, wires, or cords, and avoid touching items connected to live electricity when you're wet.
For more information
Visit BBB's flooding resource page for more tips on dealing with and recovering from floods.
Learn how to deal with flood damage.
Check out BBB's natural disasters HQ for more information on storms and other weather-related incidents.
