How to Safeguard Your Home Against Flood Damage

How to Safeguard Your Home Against Flood Damage

Floods are one of the most common and costly natural disasters in the United States. According to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), floods cause an average of $8 billion in damage each year.

While you can’t control the weather, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of flood damage. Here are four ways to safeguard your home against floods:

1. Get flood insurance

If you live in a flood-prone area, flood insurance is a must. Homeowners insurance policies don’t cover flood damage, so you’ll need a separate policy to be protected.

The NFIP offers two types of flood insurance:

Standard Flood Insurance Policy (SFIP): This covers up to $250,000 in damage to your home and $100,000 in damage to your personal belongings.

This covers up to $250,000 in damage to your home and $100,000 in damage to your personal belongings. National Flood Insurance Program’s Excess Flood Insurance Policy (NFIP-E): This covers damages above and beyond what’s covered by an SFIP.

You can purchase an SFIP through the NFIP or through a private insurer. NFIP-E policies are only available through private insurers.

2. Elevate your home

If your home is located in a flood-prone area, you may be able to reduce your risk of flood damage by elevating it.

There are two main ways to elevate your home:

Elevating the entire home: This involves lifting the entire structure of your home off its foundation and placing it on stilts or piers.

This involves lifting the entire structure of your home off its foundation and placing it on stilts or piers. Elevating the living area: This involves raising the living area of your home (e.g., your first floor) above the base flood elevation (BFE). This can be done by constructing a new foundation or by adding flood vents to your existing foundation.

3. Build flood barriers

Flood barriers, also known as flood walls or levees, can help to protect your home against floodwaters.

There are two main types of flood barriers:

Temporary barriers: These are typically made of sandbags or plastic sheeting and are used to protect your home during a flood event.

These are typically made of sandbags or plastic sheeting and are used to protect your home during a flood event. Permanent barriers: These are typically made of concrete or steel and are designed to be used as a long-term protection against flooding.

4. Improve drainage around your home

Improving the drainage around your home can help to reduce the risk of flood damage. Some ways to improve drainage include:

Clearing gutters and downspouts: Regularly clearing your gutters and downspouts can help to ensure that they’re functioning properly.

Regularly clearing your gutters and downspouts can help to ensure that they’re functioning properly. Disconnecting downspouts: Disconnecting your downspouts from your home’s sewer system can help to reduce the risk of sewage backup during a flood.

Disconnecting your downspouts from your home’s sewer system can help to reduce the risk of sewage backup during a flood. Installing a sump pump: A sump pump can help to remove water from your basement or crawlspace and prevent flooding.

A sump pump can help to remove water from your basement or crawlspace and prevent flooding. Regulating water use: Watering your lawn and garden during the daytime can help to reduce the risk of flooding.

Floods can cause a lot of damage, but there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. Getting flood insurance, elevating your home, building flood barriers, and improving drainage around your home are all effective ways to safeguard against flood damage.

https://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/pages/about_us/what_we_do/prevention.jsp
https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/20130726-1520-25045-0160/fema_p-288_ch2.pdf
https://www.ready.gov/floods