Data shows that flooding is the top natural hazard in New Zealand when it comes to the number of occurrences, damages to properties, infrastructures, livestock, and livelihood, and emergencies faced by people.
Sustained heavy rains, storm surges, and tsunamis are some of the factors that cause flooding in many areas in the country. As a result, commercial establishments and homes are constantly put in danger of huge damages during intense flooding.
Such risks naturally prompt kiwis to find measures to mitigate flooding effects and to protect their properties against such a hazard. One way they do it is by installing a SIHI vacuum pump to help pump out water away from the house to lower the risk of costly damages.
Here are other ways on how you can flood-proof your home:
Mind your grades
This doesn’t mean your school grades, but the grading of your property. Make sure your lot is graded in such a manner that floodwater will naturally flow away from your home and into the storm drains. This is one simple yet critical feature that every property must have to protect it from damages caused by floods.
Insure your property
Flood insurance is a vital safeguard against any potentially catastrophic flooding event. If your property is located in a flood plain or an area that is close to the coast, you should strongly consider investing in flood insurance. It’s a safety net that you will surely thank yourself for in case your area is hit by an awful flood.
Elevate critical facilities
Furnaces, water pumps, electrical and electronic appliances, and other things can be damaged when floods do reach your home interior.
As such, make sure to elevate them way above the highest-known floodwater level in your area to keep them from getting damaged in case of flooding.
Use waterproof renders
Waterproof renders are excellent means of keeping the flood from seeping through the bricks in most homes. They are among the cheapest ways to flood-proof your home and prevent damages.
Keep your gutters and downspouts in great shape
Your gutters and downspouts are there for a reason, which is mainly to ensure that water won’t sit on your roof where they could do much damage. That said, you need to make sure the gutters and downspouts are properly maintained. If repairs are needed, you have to do them as soon as possible.
It’s best to do all the maintenance works during the summer, so your home can be fully ready for any flooding incident.
Install check valves on piping
Check valves help prevent the sewage from backing up straight to your interiors during flooding. Use gate valves for better protection against the usually intense pressure caused by floodwater.
Construct or install flood barriers
Berms and floodwalls are two excellent physical barriers that you should consider installing on your property. They work well in keeping the flood from reaching homes and, when properly maintained, should serve you for many years.
Do the right things and be sure to protect your home by adopting these flood-proofing techniques. Hire professionals if you need help with any of these projects.
Afbeelding van Pete Linforth via Pixabay