Protect Your Property From The Hazard

Home Mitigation

• Various methods may be used to minimize flooding. If the floor level of your property is lower than the “Base Flood Elevation” (elevation of the 100‐year flood, based on the FEMA maps), consider elevating your structure, if possible.
• Review ways to flood proof your home like waterproof exterior walls and place watertight closures over doorways. This method is not generally effective if your house has a basement or if water will get as deep as two feet or more.
• Use water resistant materials in construction. Check on the resistance of paint, paneling, insulation, floor coverings, cabinet materials, etc.
• If possible, place the washer, dryer, furnace and water heater above potential flood waters. They should be placed on masonry blocks or concrete at least 12 inches above the projected flood elevation, moved to inside a floodwall or moved to a higher floor. All work must conform to state and local building codes
• If a flood is imminent, property can be protected by sandbagging areas subject to the entry of water into living spaces. Valuables and furniture may also be moved to higher areas of the dwelling to minimize damages.
• Residents can help reduce flooding by taking an active role in keeping trash and debris off the streets and sidewalks and out of streams and ditches.
• Extend down spouts away from your home and make sure the grade of the yard surface slopes away from the home.
• Clean rain gutters in the spring and fall. Blocked gutters will cause roof water to dump directly against the foundation.
• Always inventory and photograph your home’s contents and put important papers and insurance policies in a safe place.