Flooding is one of the most dangerous natural disasters. It can cause severe damage to your home and kill people.
The number one death caused by flooding is drowning. This occurs when you walk or drive through flooded waters or in a swept-away vehicle.
Install a Sump Pump
Homeowners susceptible to flooding can significantly reduce their risk of water damage by installing a sump pump. These pumps work to remove excess water from the area around your home and can be very effective in preventing floods that occur during heavy rains.
There are several types of sump pumps, including pedestal and submersible models. Each class operates differently, so you’ll want to research the best option for your needs.
Pedestal pumps are upright machines with motors directly attached to the top. They are less likely to clog than submersible models but are more expensive to install and maintain.
Choosing a suitable model for your home, like a flood insurance program, is essential, as it will impact how well it performs in water removal. Look for a unit with a powerful motor that can handle large amounts of water and a good warranty.
It’s also essential to choose a model with a backup battery system. This will allow your pump to function without power, saving you money in the long run and keeping your basement dry.
A backup system also gives you a safe and convenient way to check your pump’s status and service it if necessary. You can test the float valve and ensure it works properly.
Before you begin the installation process, you’ll need to locate an area for a sump pit and prepare it accordingly. The hole should be where water typically collects on the floor after heavy rainfall.
To avoid clogs, you should clean your sump pit every year and replace the filter screen. This will help prevent debris from causing clogs, which can damage the pump and cause it to shut down.
You’ll also need to connect your sump pump to a GFCI outlet and a backup power source. This will ensure that you have a different power source in case a severe storm disrupts your primary power supply.
A professional plumbing contractor can help you select a sump pump that will work best for your needs and install it. They’ll be able to provide you with a free quote and can ensure that the system will protect your home and your family.
Move Furniture and Valuables to Higher Ground
One of the most effective ways to protect your home and loved ones from the ravages of high winds is to move furniture and valuables to higher ground. This is especially true if you live in an area struck by hurricanes and tornadoes. Using sturdy furniture moving straps can make the job a lot less of a chore. Likewise, a well-planned storage area away from the main living area can help keep items from getting blown around during the next round of storms.
The best part is that it’s not too expensive to do. As mentioned above, straps are available at most hardware stores and home improvement centers. If you need to get up to the task, a professional moving company should quickly get your goods from point A to B. Learning more about protecting your home and your family is the smartest thing you can do. The best way to do this is by asking questions and listening to others say about their experiences.
Keep a Water Filtration System
A water filtration system can help protect your home and family from hazardous chemicals, heavy metals, and other dangerous substances that may be present in your drinking water after a flood. These toxins can cause severe illnesses and even death if not treated quickly.
A whole-house water filter will treat all the water in your home, including tap and well water. It can remove a wide variety of contaminants, including chlorine and mercury.
A water filtration system can ensure that your family has access to safe, clean water for everything from cooking and bathing to cleaning their teeth. It also helps to prevent odors and bad taste from being present in the water.
There are many different types of filters that you can use to purify your water, but a combination of carbon and reverse osmosis filters is recommended. These two filters absorb unwanted chemicals, including chlorine and heavy metals, and remove chemical pesticides and herbicides.
If you’re using a whole house filter, you should change the filters every six months to one year. Changing them often will help keep the membrane clog-free and allow the system to function fully.
You should also sanitize your filter regularly to keep bacteria from building up. You can choose from several different cleaners, but the manufacturer will typically have recommendations on which one to use.
Drying your filter out after cleaning is essential to avoid mold growth. This is because moisture in the air can encourage the growth of mold and bacteria, which is harmful to your health.
To avoid these problems, you should safely store your water filter system and ensure it isn’t exposed to extreme temperatures or moisture. Keeping the filter in the garage is another option, but be careful not to leave it there for an extended period.
It is also essential to find out if you are at risk for flooding and stock up on supplies in case you need them. You can contact your local public works, planning and zoning department, or emergency management organization to determine if your area is susceptible to flooding.
Have a Backup Plan in Place
A good backup plan can protect your home and family from damage. It should be a plan that is updated regularly and includes everything that needs to be covered in case of a disaster. This can consist of a backup of your computer files and servers and an offsite backup.
It would be best if you were prepared for all eventualities, including disasters such as floods. The National Weather Service (NWS) provides information about floods, including flood watches and warnings. You should follow these warnings and seek higher ground if necessary.
Keep a flood watch on your radio or television to know when it is safe to evacuate your home. If there is a flash flood warning, you should move to higher ground immediately and stay away from the areas where the flooding is most likely to occur.
In addition to a flood watch, you should also prepare an evacuation plan for your family. This will help you leave the area orderly and ensure you have enough supplies to last during a disaster.
For example, you might need to have extra water on hand for drinking and cooking. It is also essential to have a battery pack on your cell phone, which will provide power for short-term interruptions.
Another thing you should consider is having a backup plan for your business data. This will help you recover from a disaster and keep your business running.
When creating your backup plan, consider the data type necessary for your clients. Then, back up those files to the most secure locations while keeping them updated regularly.
If you don’t have a backup plan, it is not uncommon for businesses to experience severe damage because of data loss. This can be because of a server failure, hardware or software issue, or a cyber attack.
The first step in creating a backup plan is to conduct a risk assessment and business impact analysis. The results of these assessments will help you determine what type of backups are needed and how often they should be performed.
