August 2003

                           PROTECT YOUR HOME  FROM FLOOD DAMAGE

                  After subjecting us to droughts and below 
average snowfall in recent years, Mother Nature 
has abruptly changed tactics.  In 2003, we have experienced heavier than normal rain this spring.  The National Weather Service is predicting an above average number of hurricanes this summer and fall.

 

There are steps you can take to protect your home, especially if you live in an area prone to heavy summer storms and frequent flooding.  The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) suggests these home modifications to reduce damage and costs associated with flooding.

            Add a waterproof veneer to the exterior walls of your house.  Replacing your siding near the ground or foundation with brick and a waterproof membrane can help keep floodwaters at bay.  This tatic is effective for floodwaters that don�t rise above two feet.  If floodwaters exceed two feet or groundwater enters your home through flooring, the brick and membrane may not be effective

Move electrical components off the ground and above the flood level.  Flood waters can damage your home�s electrical system including the circuit breaker, meters and outlets.  Moving these systems to higher ground will prevent possible damage and keep you from replacing components.  You�ll also preserve your changes of having electricity durning storm clean up.  To determine how high to place your electrical components, FEMA recommends the 100-year flood level as a guide.  The 100-year flood level is defined as �the flood elevation that has a 1 percent chance of being equaled or exceeded each year.�  Most federal and state agencies use this standard and can provide you with the flood level for your area.

 

Anchor your outdoor or indoor fuel
tanks from floodwaters, Fuel tanks 
washed away during a flood can
damage your home, your neighbors 
homes and create environmental hazards
if they leak. There are two ways to anchor
your fuel tank. The first, and most common is by attaching it to a concrete slab that can withstand the force of floodwaters. Your second option is to strap your fuel tank to ground anchors. A Contractor can help you create the proper anchoring system for your home. As with your electrical system, placing supply lines above the 100 year flood level will protect them from floodwaters. Remember to close all fuel tank connections when a local flood warning is issued.

Move your HVAC system to a higher floor.  The lower floors of your home are the first to flood and generally house your HVAC system. Protect your system by moving it to your attic or a higher floor in your home. Moving your system might require modifications to your plumbing and electrical systems. Another option is to build a flood wall. Make sure the floodwall is both strong enough and high enougn to protect your system from rising waters and allows for easy maintenance and repair.

Install backflow valves on your sewage system. Backflow valves, which allow waste to flow out but close when the flow reverses, help prevent sewage backups during floods. They come in a variety of simple and complex designs such as the gate valve. The gate valve, a complex design, has a strong seal but must be operated by hand and effective only if you have enough of a flood warning to close it. Flap or check valves are simpler and automatic, but don't have the strong seal of a gate valve.

The FEMA and American Red Cross web sites have more information about flood insurance and disaster preparedness

 

 

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