Hurricane protection is more than just shuttering up your windows and doors. Flash floods also have a long history in Florida. Torrential tropical storms can dump more than 10 inches of rain in a single day. And with exposure from both the Atlantic and Gulf storm tides, Florida is often caught in the crosshairs during hurricane season. That is why preparing for and protecting against flooding is so important. Here are a few steps you can take to help your home stand up to flooding:
- Know your Risk
The first thing you want to do is find out the potential for flash flooding in Bradenton Beach, FL and the surrounding area. The Federal Emergency management Agency (FEMA) provides a website with a map of flood zones. You need to keep in mind though that even a low rating on a flood map does not act as a guarantee you will be safe.
- Close Foundation Cracks
You don’t want any gaps or cracks in your basement walls. But don’t just fill them with cement and mortar. If water is a recurring problem, it will probably just crack again. You want to use hydraulic cement or masonry caulk. This material is meant to expand and completely fill the cracks. It only costs a few dollars, but can provide huge protection when it comes to flooding.
- Battery-Powered Sump Pump
Next you want to make sure your sump pump is working properly. It can be a great defense against flooding, allowing you to pump water out and away from your home. But they won’t do any good if they are powered by electricity and the power goes out. So make sure you have a generator or battery powered sump pump that can work without electricity. Also make sure you have wide French drains or trenches dug into the basement that lead water to the sump pump.
- Anchor your Generators and Fuel Tanks
You want to raise generators, fuel tanks, and air-conditioning units above the flood level. You also want to anchor them securely. Otherwise these can break free, and when inundated with water, they will be of no use to you.
- Install Sewer Line Check Valves
You don’t want sewage to back up into your home, which is exactly what can happen when the sewer system floods. So install exterior and interior backflow valves. Gate valves have stronger seals and you can operate them by hand in the event of a flooding emergency. They open to allow water out, but then close if water tries to flood back in.
Flood and Hurricane Protection in Bradenton Beach, FL
In addition to these simple tips you also want to take extra steps to protect your home in the event of a hurricane. Impact resistant windows and doors in Bradenton Beach, FL or hurricane shutters will help keep out wind, rain, and flying debris. For more information about these products call Armored Dade Windows and Shutters. We want to do all we can to help protect our neighbors in Bradenton Beach, FL. Call 941-798-9010 or visit us at 8112 Cortez Rd. West, Bradenton, FL. 34210 to set up a consultation.
