Flooding can happen to any of us at any time and without warning, but there are things you can do to avoid or mitigate the damage and keep your home safe from flooding. If you have been in this situation before, remember what worked and what didn’t. Use that knowledge next time to prevent even more damage to your home and belongings.
The most important step to take when you know that flooding may occur in your area is preparation; start now by following these 5 tips to keep your home safe from flooding. So you don’t have to worry about your stuff when the next big storm hits!
What causes floods?
Flooding is a serious problem in Pakistan. Every year, hundreds of people are killed and millions are displaced by floods. The Pakistani government has taken steps to improve the country’s flood management infrastructure, but much more needs to be done.
There are many things that can cause a flood, but some of the most common include heavy rains, melting snow, dam or levee failure, and coastal storms. Knowing what can cause a flood is the first step in being prepared and keeping your home safe.
If you live in a region with heavy rainfall, flooding can be a serious concern. Sudden storms and heavy downpours can lead to large amounts of water entering your home through windows, doors, and other openings in the house’s exterior.
List of 5 Tips to Keep Your Home Safe From Flooding
Keep your property safe from flooding this season by following these 5 tips to keep your home safe from flooding. These tips will help you find flood damage before it happens. So, you can act to prevent or minimize the damage if it does occur in your home or on your property!
1) Storing essential documents in plastic bags
If you live in an area that’s prone to flooding, it’s important to take some extra precautions to keep your home and belongings safe. One way to do this is by storing essential documents in plastic bags. This will help keep them dry and safe in the event of a flood.
Another thing you can do is have a bag with essentials ready at all times. So if there’s a flash flood or tornado warning, you can get out quickly. The bag should include food, water, medications and first-aid items as well as pet supplies for those who have furry friends.
It also helps to make sure there are ladders available for taller homes, fire extinguishers on every floor and clotheslines installed so clothes can be dried outside.
Finally, remember not to overload electrical outlets with plugs or cords because power may go out during a storm and you want everything accessible.
2) Check your insurance coverage
Before you do anything else, check your insurance coverage. If you live in a high-risk area, you may need flood insurance. Even if you don’t live in a high-risk area, it’s a good idea to check your policy to see what is and isn’t covered. For example, most policies will cover the cost of replacing your property with something similar.
But if there are things that are irreplaceable or sentimental to you, make sure you have enough coverage for them on top of the cost of replacing your home with something similar. You should also double-check whether or not your home is located in a Special Flood Hazard Area.
3) Elevate appliances & electronics
If you live in an area that’s prone to flooding, it’s important to take steps to protect your home and belongings. One way to do this is to elevate appliances and electronics. This will help prevent damage if floodwaters enter your home.
You can place plastic under the appliance or electronics to protect the floor. But make sure not to use products with PVC since they release toxic chemicals when submerged in water.
The next step is to place boards on top of these elevated items – and add more boards every couple of inches until they’re as high as possible. You’ll want to use heavy-duty materials like plywood or particle board, which are stronger than normal wood.
4) Install water-resistant drywall
If you live in an area that’s prone to flooding, it’s important to take extra precautions to protect your home. One way to do this is by installing water-resistant drywall. This type of drywall is treated with a waterproof coating that helps prevent it from swelling or breaking down when it comes into contact with water.
Plus, it’s also mold- and mildew-resistant, so it can help keep your home healthy and free of allergens. Just make sure to install it correctly: Some contractors will actually use the material on both sides of the wall for even more protection.
On one side, they’ll attach it as normal; then, on the other side, they’ll attach small strips at intervals of 8 inches along the top edge of the studs to create a pocket that fits over the first layer. When installing this type of drywall, be sure not to cut off any part of those pockets. The strips need to be flush against the surface of both layers.
5) Watch Out for Road Closures
With heavy rains comes the risk of flash flooding, so it’s important to be aware of any potential road closures in your area. Keep an eye on local news and weather reports for updates, and if you see water on the road, turn around and find an alternate route.
Consider installing a sump pump that can help remove any excess water and protect your home against flooding. In addition, install flood sensors which will alert you when there is an issue with the level of water in your house.
Finally, store a few days’ worths of supplies like food, fresh drinking water, batteries and clothes that are appropriate for wet conditions at a designated location outside of your home. In this way, you can survive flooding regardless of where you’re located.
Conclusion
If you are planning on moving everything yourself and end up forgetting something or not being able to find it in the midst of chaos, take some deep breaths, slow down your pace, and try these tips mentioned above.
Some may seem obvious but they can make all the difference when an unexpected disaster strikes. Most of the tips that we’ve shared above are simple and can be done right now. Just make sure not to forget about these tips and be a proper water-preparer before the next flood hits.
