How to Reduce Flood Risks

Categorized as the most common natural disaster, flooding can be both destructive and life threatening in its effects. According to the National Weather Service, approximately 127 Americans die annually as a result of flood situations. Aside from the dangerous aspects of flooding, property can be severely damaged by the effects of standing or moving water. Even if you aren't in a designated flood plain, flood potential exists when torrential rain occurs, particularly if the ground is already saturated or frozen and is unable to absorb the deluge. Although you cannot prevent a flood, you can reduce many serious flood risks with proper preparation.

Things You'll Need

• Flood map or evaluation
• Flood insurance
• First aid kit
• Emergency supplies
• Shop or wet/dry vac
• Sandbags

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Instructions

• 1

  Consider the flood potential of the existing property and planned construction. Get a report from FEMA's Map Service Center to learn the flood risk potential. Simply enter your address at the website, and FEMA will provide a flood map of the location for a nominal fee. Or check with real estate agencies for local flood reports on properties. If you are building in an area with flood potential, raise or reinforce the structure to account for standing water. For existing property, levees or seawalls can be erected to keep floodwater from entering the home. Prevent interior water accumulation with sump pumps and one-way drainage valves. Check seals on basement and ground floor windows and doors; reinforce with additional caulking if necessary.

• 2

  Acquire flood insurance. This is usually considered a separate policy from traditional homeowner's insurance. Even if you aren't in a designated flood plain or are a renter, this coverage is available. Review information at the National Flood Insurance Program website to locate an agent. Because floods often occur in areas without a previous flood history due to topographical changes, having insurance to protect your possessions and property is one of the best proactive measures you can take.

• 3

  Minimize flood risks by keeping a supply of emergency sandbags on hand. A few well-positioned sandbags can divert damaging current from entering your home or can absorb seeping water. Before a flood, pick up a wet/dry or shop vac. If a widespread flood occurs in your area, these will be in demand and may become difficult to locate. Keep your water heater, appliances, furnace and electrical panel on the upper levels of your home, far from potential flood water entry. Likewise, store your valuables, important documents and irreplaceable personal mementos on upper levels.

• 4

  Don't forget to consider flood risks to individuals as well as property. Flooding can strand you and your family for extended periods. According to safety guru David Michaud of Survival-Goods, plan on having enough emergency supplies for a minimum of 72 hours. Include at least 3 gallons of drinking water per person. Standard water sources (such as wells) can become contaminated due to flood conditions, and pumps may not work during power outages. Michaud suggests keeping an emergency kit with flashlights, a high-quality first aid kit, extra batteries, a portable radio and nonperishable foods to sustain your family for 3 days.