How to prevent your home from flooding

Regardless of whether your home is situated in an area that’s at a high, or low, risk of flooding, it’s vital to consider preparing for the worst case scenario. Whether that’s altering your home’s structure and design to ensure that it’s flood-proof, or getting a collection of emergency supplies together in the event of flooding, this article will help keep you, and your valuables, protected at all times. 

Install a Water Sensor

One of the most effective ways to help prevent costly damage from flooding in your home is to install a Water Sensor, which will sound if it comes into contact with water. It’s useful to place this sensor near household water sources, such as washing machines, hot water heaters, and pipes, which are where floods can commonly start - don’t place it in areas such as next to your kitchen sink as splashes of water from washing up could trigger the sensor, instead place it in the cupboard underneath. Couple this with professional monitoring for an additional layer of security. In doing this, our monitoring centre will be alerted if your home is flooded and contact you.

Keep an eye on household water sources

Alongside installing a Water Sensor, it’s also important to remain aware of your household water sources, being cautious that these don’t begin to overflow. For example, if you’re running a bath, keep a close eye on it rather than leaving the room to do something else. Alternatively, if you’re leaving something to soak in the kitchen sink, always double-check that you haven’t accidentally left the tap running. Complete these checks each time you leave the home to ensure complete protection. 

Purchase flood protection equipment

You could also have flood protection equipment at the ready in case of a flood. By creating barriers, you should lessen the chance of your home and valuables being water damaged. 

Some examples of flood protection equipment include: 

• Plastic coverings for sealing air bricks

• Floodboards, which can be attached to doors and windows 

• Sandbags 

Put an emergency flood kit together

Even if you don’t believe your home to be at risk of flooding, it’s always a good idea to put an emergency flood kit together - just in case. This should include a collection of essential items that will help you easily and safely navigate your way around the home during a flood. 

We recommend including the following: 

• Torch and batteries 

• Insulating, waterproof clothes and blankets 

• Wellington boots 

• A list of emergency contacts 

• Snacks and bottled drinks 

• Additional supplies for looking after babies or pets 

• A first aid kit, which should include any prescription medications you may need

• Essential toiletries 

A flood-proof home design

If your home is situated in an area that’s at a higher risk of flooding (which can be checked via the government’s website), there are various ways you can alter your property’s design and structure to enhance protection. 

This could include: 

• Fit flood door panels to external doors. 

• Raise your home on stilts or piers.

• Make sure that your gutter runoff is pointed away from your home to prevent pools of water from forming, which can lead to flooding.

• Apply flood-proofing coatings and sealants to your home’s foundation, entrances, walls and windows.

• Put plug sockets and switches higher up to prevent electrical damage in the event of a flood.

• Placing certain appliances on concrete blocks to raise them above flood level, such as air conditioning units, washers, dryers, heaters, and generators. 

• Installing check valves on pipes, which prevents a flooded sewage system from backing up into your property.

• Ensure that your lawn doesn’t slope downwards towards your home, which prevents rain water from pooling around it.

Keep your home protected at all times - whether that be reducing the risk of flooding, or improving home security. SimpliSafe can help provide you with complete peace of mind, offering a system that will ensure 24/7 security. To start building your very own SimpliSafe home security system, get in touch with our team today.