Using Multi-Objective Management to Reduce Flood Losses in Your

Barriers−Levees, floodwalls, and berms keep flood waters from reaching
a building. They are useful only in areas subject to shallow flooding. They can
surround the entire building, tie into high ground, or be as small as a low
floodwall built around an exterior stairwell to a basement.
Care must be taken in locating barriers. They must be placed so as not to
create flooding or drainage problems on neighboring properties. All barriers must
be kept out of regulatory floodways.
Dry floodproofing−A dry floodproofed building is sealed against flood
waters. All areas below the flood protection level are made watertight. Walls are
coated with waterproofing compounds or plastic sheeting. Openings like doors,
windows, sewer lines, and vents are closed, either permanently, with removable
shields, or with sandbags. The flood protection level should be no more than 2 or
3 feet above the top of the foundation because the building’s walls and floors
cannot withstand the pressure of deeper water.
Wet floodproofing−This approach is usually a last resort. Flood waters
are intentionally allowed into the building to minimize water pressure on the
structure. Wet floodproofing can include moving a few valuable items to a higher
place or completely rebuilding the floodable area.
Wet floodproofing has an advantage over other approaches: no matter how
little is done, flood damage will be reduced. Thousands of dollars in damage can
be avoided just by moving furniture and appliances out of the flood-prone area.
Sewer backup protection−Houses with downspouts, footing drain tile,
and/or a sump pump connected to the sanitary sewer service may be inundated
when heavy rains overload the system. If the local code allows, these should be
disconnected. Rain and groundwater should be directed out onto the ground, away
from the building.
Overloaded sewers can be prevented from backing up into a home by
using a variety of alterations to plumbing, including a floor drain plug, a floor
drain standpipe, an overhead sewer, or a backup valve.
To Find Out More > > The State NFIP Coordinator and the Corps of
Engineers have more information on elevation, barriers, and floodproofing.
Insurance
Insurance has the advantage that, as long as the policy is in force, property losses
will be minimized, and no human intervention is needed for it to work. Although
most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flood damage, there are two
ways an owner can insure his or her building: through the National Flood
Insurance Program or by purchasing basement flooding insurance.
National flood insurance−A community must join the National Flood
Insurance Program (NFIP) before its residents can buy flood insurance. Community
participation allows local insurance agents to sell a separate flood insurance
policy under rules and rates set by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Rates do not change after claims are paid; they are set on a national basis.
Basement flooding insurance−Policies under the NFIP can cover seepage
and sewer backup as long as there is a general condition of flooding in the area
that was the proximate cause of the basement’s getting wet. Several private
insurance companies offer coverage for damage incurred if a sump pump fails or a
sewer line backs up. Most of them exclude damage from surface flooding that
would be covered by the NFIP. Each company has different amounts of coverage,
exclusions, deductibles, and arrangements.
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