With Utah’s record-setting snowpack and snow water equivalent levels, many are concerned about the potential of flooding. While a lot has changed since the historic flooding in the early 1980s, some of that concern may be justified due to the amount of runoff expected this spring. If you are concerned about the potential of flooding in your area, there are some things you can do now to help prevent your home from flooding and be prepared in case it does.
Know Your Risk
Salt Lake County Emergency Management has a flood and floodplain map available to look up the risk in your area. You can find that here. While there are some areas that show flooding risk, a large part of Salt Lake County is actually at low risk for flooding according to the map.
Clear Dirt and Debris from Gutters, Drains
The best way to prevent water from backing up near your home is to make sure there is a free-flowing path for it to exit your yard. You should be checking and cleaning gutters every year, but this year, that is especially important. Make sure they are clear of any debris or snow that could prevent water from draining properly. An easy way to check the gutters is to place your garden hose at the highest point of the gutters and turn on the water. If water runs freely through the gutters and out the downspouts, your gutters are clear. If it doesn’t, you need to clean them. Also, watch the flow out of downspouts and make sure it is directed away from your home.
An area you may not normally think about cleaning is the street gutters and drains, but if they are clogged with leaves, dirt, and other debris, it could become an issue for you. While you are checking your home’s gutters, take extra time and check the gutters in front of your home and any nearby storm drains to make sure water can freely flow along and into those.
Check Landscaping and Grading
Landscaping or grading that slopes or drains towards your house is never great, but if there is additional water flowing this year, it could be an even bigger issue. In addition to potential flooding, excess water on a foundation of a home can damage the foundation. Check the grading and landscaping and make any adjustments needed to keep the flow away from your home. During storms, keep an eye out for areas where water may pool in your yard, which is an indication of improper drainage.
Waterproof Your Home
Check your foundation, stucco, and other exterior areas for cracks and repair them. Even the smallest cracks call allow water into your home, so fixing them now can save headaches down the road. Check caulking around windows and doors and recaulk as needed. Clean out window wells of any debris that could prevent water from draining properly. Also, check and clean tracks in windows and sliding glass doors to ensure weep holes are not clogged and water will not accumulate in the tracks and then spill over into your home. Finally, if you are really concerned about flooding, consider adding a water alarm or sump pump in the basement and/or first floor of your home.
If you are in a flood-prone area, you may want to add sandbags around your home to protect it. Many cities and counties are offering free sandbags to residents. Click here for Salt Lake County Emergency Management’s online list of sandbag locations.
Make a Plan
If you are in an area susceptible to flooding, make a plan for your entire household, including pets, in case there is a need to evacuate. Learn and practice evacuation routes, put together emergency kits that you can easily grab during an evacuation, and make sure every member of your family knows the plan and what to do.
Keep in mind that just six inches of fast-moving water can knock a person down, and one foot of fast-moving water can sweep away a car. Having multiple evacuation routes planned can ensure your safety in the event of a flood.
Do a Home Inventory
If you haven’t done a home inventory, now is a great time to do so. Make a comprehensive list of what you have in your home and take photos and videos, then store everything in a safe place where they won’t be damaged and will be easily accessible if you need to make an insurance claim. Click here for more information on doing a home inventory.
Looking for your dream home? Liberty Homes has been building new homes in Utah for nearly 30 years. We take pride in our trade, crafting each home as if it were our own. Our quality, affordable homes are energy smart and thoughtfully personalized for your active Utah lifestyle. We currently have townhomes available in Salt Lake County, single-family homes in Heber City, and 55-plus single-family homes in West Jordan. Contact us today to find your dream home.
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