Tips to Protect Your Home Against Flooding

Spring is almost here, but with warmer weather comes rain.

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, floods are the second-most common and widespread of all natural disasters, affecting homeowners in all 50 states.

If the rain hits this spring, will your home be ready?

March 12-16 marks National Flood Awareness Week, and FEMA's Ready.gov site offers tips for flood safety and preparation.

• Build an emergency kit that includes a first aid kit, bottled drinking water, a flashlight, batteries, waterproof clothing and boots, and other necessities.
• Avoid building in a floodplain unless you elevate and reinforce your home.
• Elevate the furnace, water heater and electric panel in your home if you live in an area that has a high flood risk.
• Consider installing "check valves" to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your home.
• Protect your posessions, including putting stored items in a basement in waterproof containers, as well as keeping important documents in a safe deposit box.
• Purchase a portable or standby generator in the case of weather-related power outages.
• If you're located in a high-risk area, consider purchasing flood insurance.

Check the river gauges in your area with the National Weather Service's interactive map.

Or, check out FEMA's Floodsmart.gov site, which lets homeowners check their area's flood risk and assess flood insurance needs and costs.