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What can you do to limit flood damage to your home?

Know what your flood risk is. Any place can experience a flood, but some places are more susceptible than others.

Understanding your exposure can help you prepare for it.

Have an emergency kit. FEMA's ReadyAmerica.gov website has a good printable checklist with basic items you'll need.

Have an emergency plan and practice it with family members.

If possible, hire an electrician to relocate your electrical boxes (switches, sockets, circuit breakers and wiring) at least 12" above

the base flood elevation for your area. When flooding is eminent, cut off all electrical power at the main breaker.

Anchor your fuel tanks to walls or floors so they won't tip over and spill contaminants. Floating fuel tanks can float away,

creating a hazard to people and structures.

If you live in a flood plain, elevate all appliances (washer, dryer, water heater, furnace, etc.) on concrete, brick blocks or

pressure-treated lumber at least 12" above the projected flood elevation and anchor them with non-corrosive fasteners.

If you have a septic system, install interior and exterior backflow valves to prevent sewage from backing up into your home.

Install a floating floor drain plug at the lowest point of the lowest finished floor in your home to prevent floor drain pipes from

backing up.

Clear debris from drains and gutters to help direct rainwater away from your home.

Purchase gas-powered sump pumps so you can begin to drain standing water as soon as possible.

Keep valuable papers in a safety deposit box and keep copies at home in a secure, waterproof container.

After a flood, as soon as it's safe to do so, remove water-damaged items from your home and begin running pumps, ventilator

fans and dehumidifiers. The faster things air out, the better the chance you can salvage them and lessen the damage from rot,

mildew, rust and mold.

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