Tips to Protect Your North Dallas Home from Flood Damage

5/25/2021 (Permalink)

With flood risk in the Dallas area expected to increase over the next several years, what can you do to protect your home?

FloodFactor estimates that $9M in flood damage to Dallas-area properties has happened so far in 2021. So with flood risk in the Dallas area expected to increase over the next several years, what can you do to protect your home? We share practical tips in this guide.

Tips for Protecting Your Property from Flooding

We cannot control the weather, but we can prepare for it. Here are some things to consider doing this year to prepare for future storms.

Elevate the Home

One way to assess flood risk to your property is to find out if you are in a flood zone by checking FEMA’s database. If you have determined that your property is oriented in such a way that it is at high risk of flooding, then you might consider having it professionally elevated.

Install Proofing

Consult a professional proofing service for either dry flood or wet floodproofing. With dry floodproofing, the walls and floors are made watertight with seals that keep floodwaters out. Plastic, rubberized sheeting, or special waterproofing compounds coat the walls for waterproofing. Attention is also given to doors, windows, vents, or sewer lines so that any vulnerable points are sealed off.

Wet floodproofing a home routes the floodwaters to areas that stand up better to water. This also involves raising certain household equipment up and out of the way. AC and heating systems, water heaters, and other appliances are either moved upstairs or on platforms so that water can’t reach. This will save thousands of dollars in losses.

Protect Your Basement

If your home has a basement, water can get in through cracks in the foundation or from hydrostatic pressure. To protect your basement, ensure that:

• All foundation cracks have been cured, 
• All rainwater will be routed away from the foundation, 
• Window wells are sealed off
• A sump pump is installed to remove any water that gets in

Build a Retaining Wall

If your home is downhill from some point or you can see where runoff tends to run toward your home, consider building a retaining wall to redirect the flow. Retaining walls are built from compacted soil or concrete between the home and where the floodwaters are likely to be. These are also built as floodwalls, berms, and levees. 

Rethink Electrical 

One of the biggest risks brought about during flooding is when there is live electricity present that makes the water dangerous to step foot in. You might consider moving the main breaker, fuse box, or utility meters well above flood risk areas. Then label each circuit so you know which ones to shut down during a flood. When in doubt, shut off all power until waters have completely subsided.

Pack Your Irreplaceables

When all else fails, it helps to pack away certain valuables as a backup plan. Many things can be replaceable but certain photographs, documents, books, heirlooms, and other valuables cannot be. 

Secure these with waterproof containers and locate them in a higher place where floodwaters cannot reach. Consider putting these things in a weatherproof storage facility.

Call SERVPRO of North Dallas for Flood Damage Services

Unfortunately, flooding is expected to become more common in this area over the next several years. SERVPRO is here to make it "Like it never even happened," with our storm and water damage remediation services. We even work with your insurance company. Call (972) 690-1414 for 24/7 emergency contact.