6 ways to keep flood waters out of your home

1. 6 Ways To Keep Flood Waters Out Of Your Home Flooding on your property is expensive and destructive. Flooding is the #1 natural disaster that causes more deaths and loss of property than any other natural hazard in the US. According to Flood Smart.gov, “30% of all flood insurance claims are filed in low – to moderate –risk areas.” Through the variety of storms we see in Kansas, flash flooding can occur at any time. Here are 6 ways protect your property from flooding. 1. Property Elevation The plot of land your home sits on will deal greatly in how well of your property will hold up during a natural disaster. While costs can be upwards of $20,000, if you’re property allows, you could lift your home on piers or columns so the lowest level of your home is above the flood line. While flooding can be unpredictable, being on the higher ground is the best solution to avoid flooding. 2. Property Grade If your land slopes toward your home or if you have poor drainage and water isn’t directed away from your home, significant water damage can result. You can determine how water moves on your property during a rainstorm by watching the flow. The flow of the water may indicate areas on your property that may be susceptible to flooding. 3. Streets While it might not technically be your property, your city’s water system can indicate trouble. If you notice pooling or standing water on your street during an average rainstorm, this could lead to significant disaster during a downpour or flash flood. If water isn’t sufficiently collected and moved easily through the sewage lines, there could be potential for line backups which could end up on your property. You can contact your environmental services or city planning department for solutions to city water flow issues. 4. Plugs and Valves If there is a flood warning issued in your area, a safe practice would be to plug your sinks and drains to reduce the potential for waters to leak through these areas. Commercial grade plugs are the best option as they expand to fit the size of the pipe they are inserted into. This simple trick could save you from potential sewage line backups or at least reduce the amount of backup flooding and damage to your property. 5. Dry-proofing This method of protection is to reduce the potential of any flood waters penetrating inside your property and limit the risk of having to call flood damage. Dry-proofing can be a less expensive method of protecting your property, there are some cons as well.