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Easy tips for protecting your home from flood damage

Posted at 4:30 AM, Jul 13, 2017
and last updated 2017-07-13 14:05:13-04

CINCINNATI -- The Tri-State has already experienced some seriously rough weather this year, and our hot, humid summer could bring even more.

Emily Lakamp, a community outreach specialist with Hamilton County Emergency Management and Homeland Security, said the time to flood-proof your home is now -- before floodwaters have a chance to rush inside.

"Even if your home may not have a history of flooding, if there is an extensive amount of rainfall you could potentially be at risk," she said.

Around 90 percent of all natural disasters involve flooding, making it one of the most common and costly natural phenomena in the United States. Most homeowner insurances don't cover it, either, meaning you could be looking at a costly cleanup process if you home ends up underwater.

Worried? Don't be. Lakamp and her colleagues gave us a few easy steps you can take to make sure you and your family are flood-ready if the weather turns Biblical this summer.

If possible, buy flood insurance. Although your home insurance might not cover this type of damage, the National Flood Insurance Program can help you find a way to insure your house against the rising waters.

Elevate appliances that live in your basement, such as your washer, dryer, water heater and furnance.

Create an emergency kit. This can be helpful in a wide variety of situations -- not just flooding. Your emergency kit should contain three days' worth of batteries, flashlights, non-perishable food and water for every member of your household. The rule, said Lakamp's colleague Morgan Peterson, is "a gallon of water per family member per day."