Flood Proofing Information
There are several different ways to protect a building from flood damage. Below are six general approaches to preventing damage in future floods:
- Elevate the building - provides the best on-site protection;
- Stop floodwater in the yard with levees or floodwalls - prevents pressure and debris impacts on your walls;
- Stop floodwater at the wall by sealing the building (this technique is more appropriate for non-residential buildings;
- Stop sewer backup - you'll need to do this if you use barriers, dry floodproofing or wet floodproofing;
- Raise appliances and utilities - a wet floodproofing technique; and
- Use finishing materials that water won't hurt.- a wet floodproofing technique.
Each of these methods has its pros and cons. The Floodplain Coordinator will visit your property to review these and other options that may be suitable for your circumstances. For example, by re-grading your lot or building a small floodwall or earthen berm, flood waters can be kept away from your home or business. This method works if your lot is large enough, if flooding is not too deep, and if your property is not in the floodway. Alternatively, raising a house is not as expensive as you may think. Check with some of the local contractors, you might be surprised at the cost. Finally, another approach is to make your walls waterproof and place watertight closures over the doorways. This method is not recommended if water will get over two feet deep and is generally not used for residential structures.
Many houses, even those not in the flood plain, have sewers that back up during heavy rains. Talk to a plumber about a backflow preventer valve.
Important note: Any alteration to your building or land requires a permit from the Building Department. Even re-grating or filling in the flood plain requires a permit.
Links:
Best Practice Flood Information – Louisiana State University Ag Center
Above the Flood: Elevating Your Floodprone House, FEMA-347 (2000)
