Flooding

Flooding

Tips for the home

Suggestions for property owners to protect themselves from flooding:

Know your risk: Call the local emergency management office, building department or floodplain management office for information about flooding. Ask to see a flood map of your community. There may be a projected flood elevation for your neighborhood that will help determine how much water is likely to come in.

Flood insurance: Even if you have taken steps to protect your home from flooding, you still need flood insurance if you live in a floodplain. Homeowners’ policies do not cover flood damage, so you will probably need to purchase a separate policy under the National Flood Insurance Program.

Electricity concerns: The main electric panel board (electric fuses or circuit breakers) should be at least 12 inches above the projected flood elevation for your home. The panel board height is regulated by code.

Electric outlets and switches: Consider elevating all outlets, switches, light sockets, baseboard heaters and wiring at least 12 inches above the projected flood elevation for your home. You may also want to elevate electric service lines (at the point they enter your home) at least 12 inches above the projected flood elevation. In areas that could get wet, connect all receptacles to a ground fault interrupter (GFI) circuit to avoid the risk of shock or electrocution.

Appliances: For protection against shallow floodwaters, the washer and dryer can sometimes be elevated on masonry or pressure-treated lumber at least 12 inches above the projected flood elevation. Other options are moving the washer and dryer to a higher floor, or building a floodwall around the appliances.

Furnace and water heater: The furnace and water heater can be placed on masonry blocks or concrete at least 12 inches above the projected flood elevation, moved to inside a floodwall or moved to a higher floor. Furnaces that operate horizontally can be suspended from ceiling joists if the joists are strong enough to hold the weight.

Outside: Air conditioning compressors, heat pumps or package units (single units that include a furnace and air conditioner) can be placed on a base of masonry, concrete or pressure treated lumber.

Fuel tanks: A fuel tank can tip over or float in a flood, causing fuel to spill or catch fire. Cleaning up a house that has been inundated with floodwaters containing fuel oil can be extremely difficult and costly. Fuel tanks should be securely anchored to the floor. Make sure vents and fill line openings are above projected flood levels. Propane tanks are the property of the propane company. You’ll need written permission to anchor them. Ask whether the company can do it first.

Floor drains: Install a floating floor drain plug at the current drain location. If the floor drain pipe backs up, the float will rise and plug the drain.

Sewers: If floodwaters enter the sewer system, sewage can back up and enter your home. To prevent this, have a licensed plumber install an interior or exterior backflow valve.

Source: Federal Emergency Management Agency