Protecting Your Home From Future Flood Damage
Release Date: October 16, 2007
Release Number: 1719-041
» More Information on Wisconsin Severe Storms and Flooding
LA CROSSE, Wis. -- As cleanup and recovery continues following the severe storms and flooding that struck Wisconsin Aug. 18-31, state and federal officials urge disaster victims to take measures to prevent the damage from happening again.
There are ways to prevent or reduce future disaster damage. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) calls such actions hazard mitigation. While some mitigation measures such as acquisition of structures or elevation of buildings are costly long-term projects, there are many simple home improvements that residents of flood-prone areas can make to help themselves.
"It is safer, cheaper, and ultimately much easier to limit future destruction than to repair it afterward," said FEMA's Federal Coordinating Officer Michael Bolch. "And, the rebuilding phase of a disaster is the ideal time to consider ways to limit future damage."
Any community that is participating in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has adopted a local floodplain ordinance. Both the local ordinance and floodplain map should be consulted before construction and any necessary permits obtained.
Disaster recovery officials urge property owners and builders to talk to local building officials before starting any work. The officials can provide information on local standards and building codes, and, most importantly, on safe building measures.
"While many recommended measures require employing a contractor, there are several cost-saving options that, when carried out correctly, will go a long way toward mitigating potential damage," said Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) State Coordinating Officer Diane Kleiboer,.
Several suggestions to keep damages from happening:
- Install a sewer backflow valve. Flooded sewer systems can force sewage back into the home. This was a widespread problem in the recent Wisconsin floods. Not only is sewage back-up an unpleasant experience, it also presents a health risk. Backflow valves can be installed inside or outside the structure but must conform to local building codes.
- Relocate or elevate water heaters, furnaces, and major appliances. Water heaters, furnaces and appliances such as washers and dryers in the basement can be elevated on a masonry or pressure-treated wood base at least 12 inches above the previous high-water mark or the base flood elevation, whichever is greater. Appliances can also be moved to the first or second floor.
- Elevate or relocate electrical systems. Electrical panel boxes, circuit breakers, wall switches, and wall outlets should be relocated at least 12 inches above flood level or even moved to a higher floor for safety. A licensed electrician familiar with local codes should be hired to do this work. An uninterrupted electrical supply will allow the homeowner to move back to the home more quickly after a flood.
- Anchor your fuel tank. Fuel tanks, either inside or outside the home, should be anchored to prevent them from overturning or breaking loose in a flood. Metal straps and bolts should be non-corrosive and wood structural supports should be pressure treated.
- Install a floating floor drain plug. Installing a floating floor drain plug at the lowest point of the finished floor allows water to drain. When the floor drain pipe backs up, the float rises and plugs the drain.
FEMA also recommends that homeowners and renters buy flood insurance. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) flood insurance is available through most major private insurance companies and licensed property insurance agents who sell homeowners or property insurance. Those who are unable to easily find an agent should log on to www.FloodSmart.gov or call the NFIP toll-free information line at 1-888-CALL-FLOOD (427-4661), for individuals with hearing or speech impairments (TTY/TDD) 800-427-5593.
Most NFIP policies include Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) coverage for policyholders who need additional help rebuilding after a flood. When a building covered by a Standard Flood Insurance Policy suffers a flood loss and is declared to be substantially or repetitively damaged, ICC will pay up to $30,000 to bring the building into compliance with State or community floodplain management laws or ordinances. Usually this means elevating or relocating the building so that it is above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE). Homeowners with NFIP policies should contact their insurance agents about filing a claim for ICC benefits which is separate from the normal flood insurance claim.
Most NFIP policies include Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) coverage for policyholders who need additional help rebuilding after a flood. When a building covered by a standard flood insurance policy suffers a flood loss and is declared to be substantially damaged (equals or exceeds 50 percent of the value of the building) or repetitively damaged, ICC will pay up to $30,000 to bring the building into compliance with State or community floodplain management laws or ordinances.
ICC coverage can help pay for four different types of mitigation activities to bring a building into compliance with the community's floodplain management regulations. These activities include elevation, floodproofing, relocation and demolition. Homeowners with NFIP policies who receive a letter from their community advising that they are substantially damaged should contact their insurance agent about filing a claim for ICC benefits, which is filed separately from the normal flood insurance claim.
Funding for hazard mitigation projects may be available to victims of the recent severe storms and flooding who qualify for U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest loans. SBA may increase a disaster recovery loan by up to 20 percent if the funds are used for mitigation projects to protect the house from future flood damage. Information on SBA loan applications is available by calling the SBA helpline at 1-800-659-2955 or visiting the SBA web site at www.SBA.gov/disaster.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 16-Oct-2007 16:46:04