As we move into the spring season, it’s time to start preparing for spring storms and the flooding that comes along with them. So, how safe is your home from a flood?
New data suggests that many more homes and businesses are at risk of severe flooding than previously understood. In fact, nearly 15 million properties across the country are at substantial risk, with half of those property owners currently unaware of the risk they face.
Louisiana, Delaware, New Jersey, Florida, and South Carolina rank highest for the greatest proportional increase of properties with significant risk over the next 30 years.
Here’s some information about how you can check your property, and ways to prevent and prepare for flooding.
HOW TO CHECK YOUR PROPERTY’S FLOOD FACTORS
The First Street Foundation, a non-profit flood risk research and technology group, created a free online tool to help you learn:
- If your property has flooded from major events in the past
- If your property is currently at risk
- How that risk changes over time
With more than 142 million properties, neighborhoods and cities analyzed, you can view your home’s Flood Factor and understand what you can do to protect it from future flooding.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR A FLOOD
While some causes of floods are out of your control, there are steps you can take to protect your property and reduce risk. Solutions can vary in cost, effort, time to implement, and effectiveness, so calculate your home’s risk and think about which solutions make the most sense for you. Consider these options:
- Runoff reduction. Install rain barrels and increase absorbent surfaces by building rain gardens and French ditches to capture precipitation.
- Sump pump. Install a water removal system, like a sump pump, which collects water and moves it off your property.
- Raise systems. Move your home’s heating and cooling equipment to higher floors or an elevated platform to prevent flood water exposure.
Source: Club Alliance AAA