Recent storms and the increase in unpredictable weather means that the risk of flooding is on the rise. The risk of flooding can be higher than other risks that you face daily. If you live in an area that is prone to flooding there is a 1 in 4 chance that you will be flooded during your 30-year mortgage.

Floodplain maps have been created based on the elevation and contouring of the land as well as the proximity of that land to waterways. They indicate the likelihood that a property may flood based on these factors. If your property lies within a designated flood plain, it is vital for you take on means to protect your property.

There are a few important steps that you should take if you are aware that your property is located within a designated floodplain.

Physical Protection for the Property

There are a number of ways that you can physically protect your home from a flood, and some options may be more acceptable or feasible for you than others. For example, if you have a basement, installing a sump pump is a wise idea. This will monitor the presence of water in the lowest level of the home and will actively pump it out. Another idea is to contour the land through terracing, drainage features and more. This can minimize the likelihood that flood waters will reach the home. A landscaper can work with you on the design that is best for your home. Physical barriers, such as walls, may stop some of the water as well.

Flood Insurance for Your Home

Another important step for you to take is to purchase flood insurance for your home. Flood insurance is a unique type of coverage on a homeowner’s insurance policy that will pay for repairs or replacement for damage related to flooding. Policies vary, but some like this one carry flood insurance as standard. A typical homeowner’s insurance policy does not cover floods, so it is imperative that you purchase this additional coverage if your home lies in a flood plain. In fact, your mortgage lender may require you to purchase this coverage.

Even a small flood on your property can wreak havoc and cause considerable damage, and all should be prevented and prepared for as much as possible. Bear in mind that flooding inside a home must be remedied quickly to avoid the development of mold growth in the home. Mold growth will magnify the damage that is done to the home flood waters. Therefore, you should take these steps today to begin protecting your home from flood waters if you are aware that your home is in a flood plain, and you should also contact a flood remediation specialist as soon as possible if you discover that flood waters have entered the home. These are the best steps to take to protect your home from considerable damage related to a flood.