How to prevent flooding in your new home

in Blogroll by admin On July 11, 2017 0 Comments

Flooding can happen anywhere and — as the name “flash flooding” implies — at any time. Floods are the most common and most expensive natural disaster to occur in the world and no country or continent is safe. Ignore the risk and you could be sloshing around smelly and soaked carpeting, furniture, walls, appliances, lighting, and ruined electronics and keepsakes. Mold soon follows. You’ll find yourself ripping out walls to reach soaked insulation, tearing up flooring and replacing anything electrical. The best way to avoid this is to stay above water.

Due to the flooding that occurred over the weekend on the island, it is apparent that something has to be done to prevent future occurrence. We are going to give you tips on how to prevent flooding in your home/ reduce the effect of flooding.

Clear drainages: The first step to preventing flood is to make sure waterways are clear. Make sure gutters, drains and downspouts are cleared. This buys time and makes flooding less likely to happen.
Elevation — Raising a home so that the lowest floor is above flood levels. This is the most common way to avoid flood damage.
Safeguard in-home electrical systems: one of the most likely things to happen during a flood is the risk of an electric shock. The first thing to do when water levels starts rising is to shut off electricity at the breaker panel. Elevate major appliances onto concrete blocks if they’re potentially in harm’s way from flooding.
Anchor and raise outdoor equipment: Fuel tanks, air-conditioning units and generators should be anchored and raised above your flood level. Unanchored fuel tanks can break free, and severed supply lines will contaminate surrounding ground, increasing the risk of a fire outbreak.
Modify water valves: Another way of reducing the effect of flooding is to modify water valves. A flooded sewer system can cause sewage to back up into your home. So you won’t find yourself knee-deep in you-know-what, install an interior or exterior backflow valve. Experts recommend gate valves, they are more complex, and you operate them by hand. But they provide stronger seals than flap or check valves, which open automatically to allow water to flow out and then close when water tries to get in. Valves should be installed on all pipes entering the house, experts advice.