10 Ways to Avoid Flooding

Here are 10 ways to avoid flooding:

1. Install water sensors or flood detection systems: Consider installing water detection systems, sensors, and alarms to alert you to water or leaks within your home or business.
2. Clean and maintain gutters and downspouts: Clean your gutters and downspouts at least once a year, more frequently if you have lots of trees near your home. Ensure the downspouts are clear to prevent water from accumulating near your home’s foundation.
3. Redirect water runoff: Adjust downspouts to direct water away from your home. You can also install drainage where water accumulates to give the water a place to flow away from the base of the building during heavy storms.
4. Use sandbags: If flood levels are rising and water is approaching your home, sandbags can prevent water from coming through doorways or low windows.
5. Install flood skirts or barriers: Consider attaching flood skirts or barriers to windows and doors and around air bricks. These will help to floodproof and keep water out of your home.
6. Elevate your home: Raise your home on stilts or piers to elevate it above the flood level. Even an inch of floodwater can lead to significant damage.
7. Improve grading and drainage: If you have a major grading problem across your lawn, hire a professional to regrade it and improve water flow. Redirect water runoff that goes toward your home to reduce your flood risk.
8. Install a sump pump: A sump pump can help keep your basement dry by pulling excess water out of a collection pit below the basement floor and pumping it out of and away from the house.
9. Seal walls and windows: Look out for ways water could enter your home and seal them with waterproof sealants.
10. Protect indoor equipment: Elevate HVAC components and water heaters, or install them on walls or suspended from ceiling joists if the unit is designed for mounting and the walls or ceiling is strong enough to support their weight.