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There are many areas in the United States that typically flood. Depending on where you live, you could be in a in flood plain or even a low-risk flood zone.
Floods are the #1 natural hazard in the U.S., occurring in all 50 states. You may say, “Oh well, I don’t live near a stream, river, lake or coastline.” Even so, everyone lives in a flood zone, whether your home or business is located in a high-, medium-, or low-risk flood zone. Source
As someone who lives in the Pacific Northwest where it rains pretty much continually for 9 months of the year, I can say from experience that a house flood is something to be taken very seriously.
Even if you don’t live on a flood plain or in an area that tends to get a lot of rain, it’s still a good idea to be prepared in the event that flood waters do make their way through your neighborhood.
Did You Know?… 25% of all the flood insurance claims that are made in the United States come from low to moderate risk areas.
You don’t want to be the one who didn’t prepare — only to find that your area has unexpectedly become flooded. It’s better to be safe now rather than sorry later. In areas of low to moderate risk, annual flood insurance is not expensive — around $100 a year.
Here are some tips to prepare your property now in the event that your area floods some day…
#1 Buy flood insurance.
Your homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. Flood insurance is not that expensive (especially if you live in a low- to moderate-risk area). The average cost is $1 a day. It’s definitely worth it to protect yourself in the event of a house flood.
#2 Anchor your fuel tanks.
Unachored fuel tanks can be taken away by flood waters. They pose a danger to people, animals and the environment when this happens. Take the time to anchor your fuel tanks now.
#3 Raise your electrical system components.
If your fuse box or circuit breaker box get wet, they will most likely have to be replaced. There is also the danger of fire when water and electrical things come into contact with each other, so having them up high prevents flood waters from reaching them.
#4 Raise your heating, ventilating and cooling equipment.
If flood water gets into your furnace or your hot water heater, it can do serious damage. While it can be expensive to raise these items (the cost is about $1,500 to raise your furnace and hot water heater to a higher part of your home), you will save money in the long run because you won’t have to replace them.
#5 Install sewer backflow valves.
In some areas that are flood prone, sewage can back up into your home through drain pipes. This sewage can cause damage to your home and present a very nasty health hazard. Sewer backflow valves can temporarily close these drain pipes and keep sewage from flowing into your home.
Doing these 5 things will help to ensure that your property is not seriously damaged by flooding. These things will also protect your family from fires, sewage contamination, and having to spend thousands of dollars replacing systems within your home.
More Ways To Prepare For A House Flood
My favorite things to write about are topics that have to do with pregnancy, weddings, saving money, living green, and life with dogs. When I’m not writing, I love to spend time with my husband, read, create 3D artwork and Native American beadwork.
