Flooding is one of the most common and costly natural disasters in the United States, and Utah is no exception. According to the Utah Division of Emergency Management, flooding can occur anywhere in the state, especially during spring runoff when the snow melts from the mountains and flows into rivers and streams. Flooding can cause extensive damage to homes and businesses, as well as pose health and safety risks to residents. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to protect your property and prepare for potential flooding in Utah.
One of the most important things you can do is to check your flood risk and consider getting flood insurance. You can use online tools such as the Salt Lake County Flood Risk Map or the FEMA Flood Map Service Center to see if your home or business is located in a high-risk flood zone. Even if you are not in a designated flood zone, you may still experience flooding from heavy rain, flash floods, or other causes. Most homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood damage, so you may need to purchase a separate policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer. Flood insurance can help you recover from the financial losses caused by flooding and give you peace of mind.
Here are some tips to help you flood-proof your house:
- Install flood vents. Flood vents are openings in your foundation or basement walls that allow water to flow through your house instead of building up pressure and causing structural damage. They can also reduce mold and mildew growth by improving ventilation. You can install flood vents yourself or hire a professional to do it for you.
- Seal your foundation and basement walls. Cracks and gaps in your foundation and basement walls can let water seep into your house and cause damage. You can use waterproof sealants or coatings to fill these cracks and prevent water intrusion. You can also apply waterproof membranes or barriers to the exterior of your foundation and basement walls to create an additional layer of protection.
- Prevent sewer backups. Sewer backups can occur when excess water overwhelms the sewer system and causes sewage to flow back into your house through drains and toilets. This can create a health hazard and a mess. You can prevent sewer backups by installing backflow valves or plugs on your drains and toilets. These devices will stop sewage from entering your house in case of a sewer backup.
- Use Sand Bags. Utah snow totals have reached record highs this winter, leading to the possible need for residents to get sandbags. Many communities are taking a proactive approach to preparedness for possible flooding. Cities and counties across Utah want to help and are letting residents know that sandbags are available for pickup.
- However, most cities are providing “stop and fill” stations. The fill stations will provide sand and bags but they recommend residents bring their own shovels.
- Most cities said they allow residents to fill 20 to 25 bags. Here is a growing list of sandbag stations.https://kslnewsradio.com/1992299/where-to-get-your-free-sandbags-to-help-mitigate-flooding/ For questions please call your local public works office.
- Create a communication plan with loved ones. In case of a flood emergency, you should have the plan to stay in touch with your family members and friends. You should designate a specific person to contact for updates and establish a safe location to meet up with your family members. You should also have a list of emergency phone numbers handy, such as 911, local authorities, utility companies, insurance agents, etc.
- Assemble an emergency kit. You should have a kit ready with essential items that you may need in case of a flood emergency. Your kit should include food, water, medicine, batteries, flashlights, a radio, a first aid kit, rubber boots, rubber gloves, etc. You should also pack important documents and valuables in waterproof containers or bags, and store them in a safe place above flood level.
- Use porous outdoor surfaces. Porous outdoor surfaces such as gravel, brick, mulch, or grass can help water seep into the ground instead of streaming toward your house. You can also dig depressions known as swales to channel stormwater runoff away from your house. These landscaping techniques can help manage heavy rain and reduce potential flood damage.
By following these tips, you can make your home more resilient to flooding and protect your property and family from harm. However, if you do experience flooding in your home, you should contact PuroClean of Bluffdale as soon as possible. We are a trusted leader in property damage restoration services, with the expertise and equipment to handle any type of flood damage. We will respond quickly to your call, assess the situation, extract the water, dry the affected areas, clean and sanitize your property, and restore it to its pre-loss condition. We will also work with your insurance company to make the claim process easier for you. Call us today at (801) 254-6204 for a free estimate or visit our website at Water Damage Restoration in Bluffdale, UT | Fire and Mold Cleanup (puroclean.com) for more information.
