1. Install
sewer backflow valves. In some areas, flooding can cause sewage
from sanitary sewer lines to back up into houses through the drain pipes.
This can cause significant water damage and can create severe health
hazards. A backflow valve should only be installed by a contractor or
a plumber in order to ensure its proper installation and function.
2. Raise
or flood proof all heating, ventilating and/or air conditioning units.
Either elevate all equipment above areas that are prone to flooding
or build a concrete floodwall around the units.
3. Raise
electrical service panels, fuse and circuit boxes, meters, switches
and outlets at least one foot above the base flood level. Wiring
should also be raised above the flood level. All of these electrical
service components can be easily damaged by floods and are expensive
to repair or replace.
4. Raise
the washer and dryer. This can be done by placing them on cinder
blocks or by building a sturdy platform for them.
5. Keep all
important documents and expensive or irreplaceable items away from areas
in your home that are prone to flooding.
