Most of us associate flooding with heavy rains. However, did you know that your house can flood during a hurricane even if it’s not in a high-risk flood zone?

During a hurricane, storm surge is often the biggest threat to your property. Storm surge is the abnormal rise of water generated by a storm over and above the predicted astronomical tides. This rise in water can cause extreme flooding in coastal areas and even put properties located several miles inland at risk.

Hurricane-force winds can also cause damage to your home, even if it doesn’t directly flood. Wind can tear off roof shingles, break windows, and damage doors and garage doors. Once the water starts to enter your home, the damage can become even worse.

In today’s article, let’s look at what you should do if your home is flooded during a hurricane. Here’s what you need to know:

What to Do If Your House Floods During a Hurricane

If you live in an area that is prone to hurricanes, it’s essential to be prepared for the possibility of a flood. Here are some tips on what to do if your house floods during a hurricane:

1. If possible, try to move important belongings and valuables to a higher level in your home. This will help to protect them from flood waters. 
2. If the flood waters start to rise, turn off all utilities at the main breaker. This will help to prevent further damage to your home and belongings. 
3. If you must evacuate, do so as soon as possible. Flood waters can rise quickly and can be very dangerous. 
4. Once you are safely out of your home, do not try to re-enter until the flood waters have receded. Flood waters can be very dangerous and can contain debris or other hazards. 
5. After the flood waters have receded, inspect your home for any damage. If there is any damage, contact your insurance company as soon as possible.

How to Prepare Your Home before a Hurricane

As we all know, hurricanes can bring heavy rains and strong winds, leading to widespread flooding. And while you can’t control the weather, there are some things you can do to help minimize the risk of flooding in your home before a hurricane hits.

1. Inspect your home for any potential flooding risks. Start by inspecting your home for any potential flooding risks. Look for any low-lying areas where water could pool, cracks or gaps in your foundation that let water in, and any areas where water could drain toward your home. 
2. Make sure your gutters and downspouts are clean and in good condition. Clogged gutters and downspouts can cause water to back up and overflow, so it’s essential to make sure they’re clean and in good condition before a hurricane hits. 
3. Install check valves in your plumbing to prevent backflow. Backflow is when water from the storm drains, or sewer system flows back into your home through the plumbing. Check valves to prevent this from happening by only allowing water to flow in one direction. 
4. Elevate any electrical components in your home. Any electrical components in your home should be elevated to help prevent them from being damaged by floodwaters. 
5. Store any valuables and important documents in a waterproof container. Be sure to store any valuables and important documents in a waterproof container in case they get wet.

The Bottom Line

Taking proactive steps to avoid flooding in your home before a hurricane is important. Some of these steps include clearing gutters and drains, filling sandbags, and elevating essential items in your home. Taking these steps can help reduce the risk of flooding and the damage that can come with it.

If you are looking for reliable and expert water damage repair services, we can help you. Rapid Restoration is a certified water and fire damage restoration contractor in Cartersville, GA, with over 25 years of combined experience. You can count on us to restore your home and property to a good condition. Contact us today to learn more and get started!