Flood Mitigation Checklist

Plan

• Preventing flood damage starts with proper preparation, including studying the local plot maps for where you are located within the flood plain. If you can find out which flood stage your structure will begin to flood in, you will be able to proactively defend against damage. Go to your county clerk and obtain copies of all nearby flood plain maps and plan accordingly. It is essential you add flood protection to your homeowners insurance to cover any flood damage.

Preventing

• Flood mitigation should include preparing your personal, financial and costly items for easy removal. Plastic totes with locking lids make ideal vessels to store and remove items in bulk from a building. Items easily damaged by water and moisture should be stored on shelves or areas high above the floor level. Flood-prone houses need to have all low-lying windows sealed as a first line of defense against floodwater. Levees or sandbag walls can be placed around the perimeter to slow or stop floodwater from reaching the building.

Appliances

• Appliances are costly to replace and should be removed from the home or moved within the home to prevent damage from floodwater. If the flood is projected to be less than a foot or so, you can place appliances on concrete blocks or anything that will elevate them higher than the water line. Appliances can also be moved to a higher floor such as the main level in the case of a basement flood or a second level if available.

Electrical

• Preparing your electrical system for a flood can prevent costly repairs and potential injuries to the building's occupants. It is recommended that the wiring, outlets and switches be placed high within the wall to prevent water contact. Connect all outlets to a ground fault interrupt circuit to prevent electrical shock. Move all electrical service lines 12 inches above the projected flood level. You should shut off all power to the building before evacuating for a flood by turning off the main breaker in the service panel.

Plumbing

• The plumbing system can add to the damage if not properly prepared for a flood. A sewer back-flow valve is essential to keep a flooding sewer system from backing up into your home. All floor drains need back-flow or float plugs that will allow water to drain but will prevent water from entering your house.