It can be difficult to imagine the magnitude of damage a flood can cause. After all, most homes are completely solid and built to survive even the most powerful storms. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be prepared for the worst. With a little bit of time and effort, you’ll be able to perform home flood mitigation and prevent devastating water damage from destroying your possessions and your home. Here are tips on how to successfully combat flooding damage after a storm and what you can do to prevent it.
Stay Prepared and Stay Safe
It’s not enough to just have the right tools on hand in case of a flood—you need to be aware of the dangers in your neighborhood. If you live near a stream or river, it’s essential that you know how high the water level is during normal conditions and how quickly it rises after rainfall. Many floods are caused by heavy rainfall rather than literal flooding, so being prepared for heavy rains is just as important as being prepared for an actual flood.
Prepare for the Worst
Even if you don’t live near a stream or river, you should always assume that flooding can occur. Put together an emergency kit including food, water, flashlights (with extra batteries), cleaning tools, and any other items you may need, no matter how unlikely it is for flooding to occur in your area.
Lower Your Home
Even if you live in a single-story home, you can lower your home to prevent flooding. While it may not do much to prevent flooding damage, lowering your home will give you extra time to prepare and protect yourself. If there is any chance that water could flow into your home, lower it until the threat has passed.
Throw Out Waterlogged Items
Always throw out water-logged items immediately after the flood has subsided, and be mindful of what you might be throwing away. You may want to consider saving some water-damaged items, such as clothing and furniture, just in case they can be salvaged. However, you should always throw out electronics and anything else that is completely soaked and unrecoverable.
Consider Calling a Professional
The best way to avoid flood damage is to simply never let it happen in the first place. Not all water damage can be prevented by homeowners—a professional can often do more than you ever could on your own. This includes, but is not limited to, the following services:
- Remodel and restore your home to its original condition
- Replace damaged objects with new ones
- Repair or reconstruct furniture and fixtures, including carpeting
- Maintain all electrical outlets in your home (even if you think they’re not necessary)
- Clean all waterlogged carpeting and upholstery in your home
