Prepare Your Home for Potential Flooding This Summer
As early weather forecasts predict increased rainfall across parts of the United States, homeowners are urged to brace for a potentially wet summer with elevated flood risks, especially in Southern states like Florida and the Carolinas.
Courtney Klosterman, a home insights expert at Hippo Home Insurance, stresses the importance of proactive measures in flood preparedness to mitigate potential damages.
Understanding Your Home’s Flood Risk
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s Climate Prediction Center (CPC), regions such as the Pacific Northwest, Southern Plains, and Southeast are expected to experience above-average rainfall in June. This forecast highlights the common occurrence of summer flooding in these areas, particularly during hurricane season from June through November in Florida.
Leslie Chapman-Henderson, president and CEO of the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes Inc. (FLASH), emphasizes that flood preparedness starts with assessing your home’s vulnerability.
Assessing and Mitigating Flood Risks
Chapman-Henderson advises homeowners to evaluate their property’s proximity to water bodies and history of flooding within the community. Understanding the elevation of your home relative to flood-prone areas is crucial, as higher elevations reduce flood risk significantly.
During rainy weather, homeowners are encouraged to observe water runoff and drainage patterns around their property. Karen Kostiw of Coldwell Banker Warburg suggests checking for signs like water overflowing gutters or puddling around foundations, which could indicate vulnerabilities to flooding.
For a professional assessment of flood risk, Kostiw recommends consulting a civil engineer. Additionally, Klosterman recommends using FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center to determine if your home is located in a high-risk flood zone, suggesting regular checks every five years.
Staying Prepared
As homeowners gear up for a potentially challenging summer, proactive measures and regular assessments of flood risks can help safeguard properties against potential damages caused by heavy rains and flooding.
This version maintains the core information while presenting it in a slightly different format. Let me know if there are any specific adjustments you’d like to make!
