Over the past few years, the world has encountered some crazy weather events that have never been witnessed before. The rise of global temperatures has brought about extreme changes in our environment, one of which is an increase in record-breaking floods.
If you live in an area that has been experiencing more floods than usual, it’s probably a good idea to get informed about what you can do to protect your property.
We recommend that you get ahead of any potential damages by flood-proofing your home. Here is everything you need to know…
Raise Your Home
Raising your house on stilts or piers can help reduce the impact of water damage in the event of the flood. If you can’t afford to raise your home, make sure to raise important electrical equipment and appliances from the ground.
Apply Dry Coatings
Sealants and coatings can be used to flood-proof the walls, foundations, and windows of your home. What this protective coating does is help prevent any flood water from leaking into the cracks of your house. This is relatively inexpensive and can help you save hundreds of dollars in the long-run.
Get Insurance
The best way to prepare yourself for a flood is by getting a great insurance policy. Having an insurance provider by your side will allow you to hire the best flood services team possible, without making a huge dent in your savings. Make sure to compare quotes to find the best deal.
Keep Electrical Outlets High
When it comes to electrical outlets, you should aim to keep these at least 1.5 meters above ground level. This may not be entirely practical when it comes to using the outlets, but it can save you thousands of dollars in electrical repairs after low-level floods.
Use Sandbags
One of the oldest tricks in the book when it comes to flood prevention is keeping a hefty number of sandbags stocked away. You can use these to block any gaps that may allow water to seep through into your home.
Landscape with Care
The exterior landscaping of your home can help improve or worsen the level of flooding your property experiences. Try to create a terrain that helps water stream away from your house and into the land. Heavy soil that is full of clay and sand can help absorb rainwater.
Point Downspouts Away
If you have a downspout gutter, you should ensure that this is pointed away from your house in a direction that will not worsen the flooding. If the water collects at the corners of your home, it could create serious leaks and seep into your basement.
The severity of floods can vary tremendously and it’s very unlikely that you can predict when the next natural disaster will hit. It’s always better to be over-prepared than under-prepared. We recommend that you take our tips on board to ensure minimal damages in the future. Above all, keep safe whilst you ride out those storms.
