Imminent Flooding

1.) If flooding is imminent, REMOVE all fuses, including the one at the main switch and at the range switch.

2.) Put them in a place above anticipated flood level.

Normal Flood Preparations

1.) Open the panelboard door and identify what parts of the system each plug fuse or circuit breaker controls.

• These actions help minimize the danger of short circuits when the power company returns service to your home after the flood.

2.) Then, determine which lights, appliances and outlets are controlled by that fuse or circuit breaker.

• This information may be on the back of the panelboard already.
• If it isn't available, experiment by removing each fuse or switching each circuit breaker at a time to OFF.

3.) Write this information on a sheet of paper to take with you when you evacuate or put in a place above the anticipated flood water level.

4.) Replace the fuse of switch the circuit breaker back to ON.

5.) Repeat the process until the entire electrical system of your home has been checked.

• CAUTION: Some appliances contain compressors (air-conditioners, refrigerators, freezers) that may have to rest a short time (5 minutes) before being turned on again to avoid blowing the fuse or opening the circuit.

Allow Water in Basements

1.) Open all windows.

2.) Prop open all doors to the outside, to rooms and closets, and to the garage to allow water to enter unimpeded.

• Equal pressure inside and outside lessens the chance of structural damage to your home from hydrostatic pressure and prevents it from lifting off its foundation or tipping over in most cases.

3.) Use a hammer and cold chisel to knock small holes in your concrete blcok basement walls about 1-foot above ground level to allow water to fill the basement and equalize interior and exterior pressure.

• The chisel should be longer than the block is wide.

• Holes can be patched after the flood has passed.

4.) If you have time, run tap water into the basement.

• This is slower, but is the preferred method because it is cleaner.

5.) Cover glass open windows with cardboard or heavy plastic to prevent shattering and spreading.

6.) Do not obstruct the window openings, or prevent water from passing.

Keep Water out of Basements

1.) Close all windows and doors.

2.) Cover all windows and doors with polyethylene sheet and boards, plywood or previously-fitted closure panels.

3.) Place sandbags and/or shoveled dirt in front of doorways and more vulnerable areas of your home to keep the water away.

• Sandbags can be made with burlap or other strong material that will not dissolve in water or break when being carried.

• Sandbags can be filled with sand or dirt.

4.) If you have a sump pump, check it to make sure it is operating properly.

A check valve will permit sewage to flow outward, but not allow backflow.

• Unfortunately, a check valve requires a frequent cleaning and maintenance to remain effective which is often beyond the ability of the average homeowner.

• Consequently, the reliability of a check valve for residential use is open to question.

A gate valve is a manually operated valve which shuts off backflow and simultaneously shuts down the entire house sewer system.

• It does not require frequent cleaning and maintenance.

The dual backflow valve combines the check valve with a manually operated gate valve.

• This provides automatic check valve protection combined with the positive operation of the manual gate valve.

• This dual option may be expensive.

PROBLEM #1: The sewer lines on your property are broken, clogged with roots or debris or directly connected to your roof or footing drains. When heavy rain occurs, the lines cannot carry the additional water so it backs up into your basement. Tree roots can also become entangled in sewer lines, thus clogging pipes and causing sewer backups.

SOLUTION: If this is the cause of your flooded basement, you can fix the problem relatively easily by contacting a plumber or contractor.

SOLUTION: If this is the cause of your sewer back up, you can do one of 2 actions.

• 1.) Let the sewer back up and adjust our basement properly so it is not damaged (look at wet floodproofing section).
• 2.) Try to keep the sewer from backing up. Refer to our Prevention section.

Advantages of Stopping Sewer Back Up

1.) Your basement will stay dry (assuming the flood waters do not get in through the walls or windows.)

2.) If water depths are less than a foot, they can be handled cheaply with a plug or a standpipe.

Disadvantages of Stopping Sewer Back Up

1.) Most methods require human intervention.

2.) Overhead sewers require a pump that needs continuous power or a back-up system in case of power failure.

3.) There will be no reduction of regular program insurance rates.

4.) If the pressure is permitted to break the sewer lines or buckle your floor, you may have a more expensive repair job than if your basement was allowed to flood.

5.) Unless you install an overhead system, you cannot use your sewers during high waters.

6.) Because the cheaper methods can cause greater pressures, costs are expensive for the most effective measures. Consult a plumber contractor.

• Check what your local ordinances say about stopping sewer build-up because it may be prohibited.

SOLUTION: The best way to deal with this pressure is to minimize the amount of sewer line exposed to the pressure. This could be done by installing a back up valve near your property line. Of course, this merely transfers the problem to the city. Check with your community before installing a back-up valve because some prohibit them.

1.) Disconnect and store small, transportable appliances (toasters, blenders, percolators and other electrical devices) at the highest possible level (second floor or attic). If time permits, wrap these appliances and others in plastic and tie as shown in Figure 3-3.

2.) Seal openings of large appliances with wide tape such as masking or waterproof adhesive tape.

3.) Tie shut and anchor these appliances. Leave them open to allow water into the interior to prevent buoyancy.

     • Top loading dishwashers and clothes washers should first be filled and weighted  down with clean water to prevent buoyancy.

• Dryers can be weighted down with sandbags.
• Freezers can be weighted down with food, then sealed and anchored.

Listen to the radio about what to do, where to go or places to avoid.

Emergency workers will assist people in flooded areas. You can help them by staying off the roads & out of the way.

If you must walk or drive in areas that have been flooded:

Stay on firm ground. Moving water 6 inches deep can sweep you off your feet. Water may be electrically charged from underground/downed power lines.

Avoid walking & driving through flooding. Flooding often erodes roads & walkways, which may cause familiar places to change & hides debris.

Play it safe. Additional flooding or flash floods can occur. If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, get out immediately & climb to higher ground.

Tips for Staying Healthy

A flood can cause emotional and physical stress. Follow the tips below to help ensure that you and your loved ones remain healthy as you focus on clean up and repair.

Rest often and eat well.

Keep a manageable schedule. Make a list and do jobs one at a time.

Avoid direct contact with flood or backed-up water when possible. Children & pets should not play in or near, or come in contact with flood water.

After cleaning up your home, makes sure to do the following before removing your latex gloves:

Sanitize or dispose of aprons & other clothing worn during clean-up.

Disinfect rubber foot-wear in a bucket using bleach disinfectant.

Disinfect buckets and other such materials used in clean-up before storing them.

Remove latex gloves from the inside-out & wash hands for at least 2 minutes with warm water & a disinfectant soap to assure all skin surfaces are clean of contaminants.

Discuss your concerns with others and seek help. Contact the Red Cross for information on emotional support.

Tips to Clean & Repair Your Home

Turn off the electricity at the main breaker or fuse box, even if the power is off in your community.

While cleaning up flooded areas, wear protective clothing & gear, such as latex & waterproof, impenetrable rubber boots to prevent exposure to sewage.

TIP: Contact the Department of Public Health to receive protective rubber gloves.                   

Use a disinfectant solution of laundry bleach (5.25% hypochlorite) for clean-up.

TIP: You can make this solution by mixing 1 part laundry bleach with 9 parts water.

Place all disposables in a sealed bag for garbage collection & removal.

Contact your insurance agent to discuss claims.

Hire clean up/repair contractors.

TIP: If you choose to hire, check references to if see they are qualified. Be wary of people who drive through neighborhoods offering help.

American Red Cross

Contact your local chapter to receive information about resources and assistance that may be available to you: