Reports of flooding are on the rise. Whether you attribute the problem to climate change, or freak accidents, the stats certainly don’t lie. Across the country, devastating natural weather problems are wreaking havoc. We’ve seen neighborhoods, and entire cities, at risk from rising tides and bursting rivers. If you’re worried about your property, or you’ve recently moved to a flood-risk area, keep reading. In this article, we’ll explain how to protect your home from treacherous flooding.
Keep an eye on flood warnings. Thanks to modern technology, we now have a strong understanding of when flooding will occur. By following rain patterns, rising tides, and other weather indicators, we can accurately predict the likelihood of flooding. If you live in a flood-risk area, you need to keep a sharp eye on these warnings and weather reports. The best defence is preparation and understanding. If you know it’s coming, you can act early.
Structural protection. There are all sorts of property alterations you can make to help keep flooding to a minimum. From experience, the best possible action is raising the level of the home. This may sound like a big job, but it can be done by seasoned professionals. You’ll need strong house pilings to raise the property, and keep the house above the foundations. If the alternative is flood damage, it’s a cost that’s worth paying.
Good drainage. Sometimes, the simplest measures are the most effective. That’s certainly true when it comes to flooding. There is one thing that causes huge problems when it comes to water. That’s inefficient draining. Lots of homes now have patios and concrete yards. This is a sure fire way to direct water straight into the house. It can flow easily over concrete and hard surfaces. Instead, try to maximise your area of turf and soil. It acts as a natural barrier by absorbing all the excess water. Make this a key part of your home renovation plans.
Repair loose fixtures. Flooding often comes as a package deal with a huge storm. That means taking every precaution against high winds and storm damage. Loose fixtures and fittings will cause external damage to your property, allowing the storm to penetrate. It will create gaps for flood water, and weaken the structural integrity of the home. Everything from loose fence panels to wonky roof tiles need taking care of. Make sure your guttering is working effectively too.
Emergency kit. In the event of a storm or flooding scenario, you need to prepare yourself and your home. One of the best ways to do that is packing an emergency kit. This should contain everything you need to react quickly to the problem. Keep sandbags, spare towels and buckets in easy, obvious locations. The faster you react, the more damage you can prevent. You emergency kit should also contain flashlights, first-aid kits, and batteries.
Protecting your home against flooding is all about foresight, preparation, and reaction. Do everything you can to take advantage of those early warning signs. Make sure you’re prepared for the worst. But, most importantly, know exactly what to do when unexpected flooding hits.
Photo by Gabe Rodriguez
Milo Senalle
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