Watch the video on Flood Zones.
Everyone lives in a flood zone and could at one point or another experience flooding. In fact, floods are one of the most common hazards in the U.S. Flooding typically causes more than $2 billion in property damages annually. Changing weather patterns and an ever-increasing number of impervious surfaces, such as roads and sidewalks, are putting more homeowners at risk for floods. Homeowner's insurance rarely covers flood losses, and federal disaster assistance is available only if the President formally declares a disaster. Even when disaster assistance is provided, it's usually a loan that has to be repaid with interest.
There are a number of actions that can be taken to protect a home from flooding. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers the following ways to provide flood protection.
Build with flood-resistant materials
Building materials are considered flood-resistant if they can withstand direct contact with flood waters for at least 72 hours without being significantly damaged. "Significant damage" means any damage that requires more than low-cost, cosmetic repair. Flood-resistant materials should be used for walls, floors, and other parts of a home that are below the flood level. Commonly available flood-resistant materials include concrete, closed-cell and foam insulation, pressure-treated and marine grade plywood, and ceramic tile. Also, keep in mind that all hardware used in these areas should be made of stainless or galvanized steel.
Add waterproof veneer to exterior walls
Even in areas where flood waters are less than 2' deep, a home can be severely damaged if water reaches the interior. One way to protect a home from shallow flooding is to add a waterproof veneer to the exterior walls. For instance, the veneer can consist of a layer of brick backed up by a waterproof membrane. In addition, it's important to make changes to the interior walls as well. In areas below the flood level, replace batt insulation with washable closed-cell foam insulation. Any wood blocking added inside the wall cavity should be made of exterior grade lumber.
Raise electrical system components
Electrical system components, such as service panels, meters, switches, and outlets, are easily damaged by flood water. If they are inundated for even short periods, they will probably have to be replaced. Another serious problem is the potential for fires caused by short circuits. All components of the electrical system, including the wiring, should be raised at least 1' above the 100-year flood level.
Anchor fuel tanks
Unanchored fuel tanks can easily be moved by flood waters. These tanks pose serious threats; an unanchored tank outside a home can be driven into the walls by flood waters or swept downstream, where it can damage other property. When an unanchored tank in a basement is moved by flood waters, the supply line can tear free and contaminate the basement with oil. One way to anchor a tank is to attach it to a large concrete slab that has a weight great enough to resist the force of the flood waters. This method can be used for all tanks, both inside and outside a home. An outside tank can also be anchored by running straps over it and attaching them to ground anchors.
Raise or floodproof HVAC equipment
HVAC equipment, such as a furnace or hot water heater, can be damaged extensively if inundated by flood waters. The amount of damage will depend partly on the depth of the flooding and the amount of time the equipment remains underwater. In flood-prone homes, a good way to protect HVAC equipment is to move it from the basement or lower level of the home to an upper level or even to the attic. A less desirable method is to leave the equipment where it is and build a concrete or masonry block floodwall around it.
Install sewer backflow valves
In some flood-prone areas, flooding can cause sewage from sanitary sewer lines to back up into a home through the drain pipes. These backups not only cause damage that's difficult to repair, but also create health hazards. A good way to protect a home from sewage backups is to install backflow valves. These valves are designed to block drain pipes temporarily and prevent flow into the home.
Protect wells from contamination
Flood waters often carry hazardous and toxic materials, including raw sewage, animal wastes, oil, gasoline, solvents, and chemicals. Flood water that enters a well can contaminate the groundwater and make the well water unsafe to drink or use. The effects may last long after the flood waters have receded. Proper well construction will help protect a well against contamination. For instance, extend the well casing at least 2' above the highest known flood elevation. Keep in mind that you shouldn't store potential contaminants within 100' of the well.
To learn more about floods, visit:
Floodsmart.gov
Flash.org
NOAA
FEMA
| 
