Residential Strategies for Hurricane and Flood Protection

With the increasing intensity of hurricanes and severe storms, it's crucial to adopt comprehensive strategies to safeguard your residence.

PROACTIVE FLOOD PREPAREDNESS

Living in hurricane-prone areas can be overwhelming due to the constant threat of extreme weather conditions, which can jeopardize the safety of your residence, belongings, and family members.

This brief article is designed to offer insights into safeguarding your property from the destructive hydrostatic forces that floods can cause to your home. By emphasizing the importance of structural enhancements, emergency readiness strategies, and the deployment of flood prevention solutions like flood barriers and flood walls, you will feel equipped to confront any impending storms confidently.

STRUCTURAL REINFORCEMENTS FOR FLOOD PREVENTION

One of the most effective ways to protect your home from hurricane damage is by reinforcing its structure. Here are some critical steps to consider:

Roof Reinforcements:

• Hurricane Straps: These metal straps secure the roof to the walls, reducing the risk of the roof being blown off during high winds.
• Roof Sheathing: Ensure that the roof sheathing is properly nailed to withstand strong gusts. Consider using adhesive for additional security.
• Secondary Water Barrier: Install a secondary water barrier to prevent water from entering your home if the roof is damaged.

Impact-Resistant Windows and Doors:

• Storm Shutters: Install storm shutters to protect windows from flying debris. There are several types, including roll-down, accordion, and panel shutters.
• Impact-Resistant Glass: Replace existing windows with impact-resistant glass to reduce the likelihood of breakage.
• Reinforced Doors: Ensure that all exterior doors are reinforced and have deadbolts to withstand high winds.

Garage Door Defense:

• Property Protection: Garage doors are often the weakest point in a home during a hurricane. Install a hurricane-resistant garage door or reinforce the existing one with a bracing kit.

LANDSCAPING AND OUTDOOR FLOOD PREPARATIONS

Proper landscaping can play a significant role in protecting your home during a hurricane. Here are some strategies to consider:

Tree Maintenance:

• Tree Trim: Regularly trim trees and remove dead or weak branches that could become projectiles in high winds.
• Tree Removal: Consider removing trees that are too close to the house and could fall during a storm.

Secure Outdoor Items:

• Move Outdoor Assets: Store outdoor furniture, grills, and other loose items in a garage or shed to prevent them from becoming dangerous projectiles.

Drainage Systems:

• Gutter Cleaning: Ensure that gutters and downspouts are clear of debris to allow for proper water flow.
• Drainage Diversion: Install French drains or swales to direct water away from the home’s foundation.

EMERGENCY FLOOD PLANNING AND PREPAREDNESS

Having a well-thought-out emergency plan can make a significant difference during a hurricane. Here are some key components:

Emergency Kit:

• Stay Flood Ready: Prepare an emergency kit with essentials such as non-perishable food, water, medications, flashlights, batteries, and first-aid supplies.

Evacuation Plan:

• Plan in Advance: Develop a family evacuation plan that includes a designated meeting place and multiple routes out of the area.
• Vital Documents: Keep important documents and valuables in a waterproof container and easily accessible in case of evacuation.

Communication Plan:

• Stay Connected: Create a detailed communication plan with your family and friends to ensure they are informed about your well-being and whereabouts during emergencies or unexpected events.
• Radios: Have a battery-powered or hand-crank radio to stay updated on weather conditions and emergency instructions.

INVEST IN FLOOD PROTECTION SOLUTIONS

Flooding is one of the most destructive aspects of hurricanes, but there are several products available to help mitigate flood damage. Here’s how you can use flood protection products effectively.

Flood Barriers and Flood Walls:

• Mayim Temporary Flood Barriers: These flood barriers are engineered for rapid deployment and resilience. Mayim Barriers interlock and connect multiple pieces to fit your flood protection needs.
• Hammerhead Aluminum Flood Walls: This flood wall system utilizes aluminum planks that stack within installed U-Channel posts to create a durable flood wall across numerous types of entryways.

Flood Tubes and Dams:

• Sandbags: Traditional and cost-effective, sandbags can be stacked to create barriers against floodwater. However, they require time and labor to set up.
• Minnow Water Absorbing Flood Bags: These water activated gel-filled bags expand upon contact with water, providing a quick and easy solution to block water entry points. Minnow Flood Bags provide a compact and easy to use alternative to bulky traditional sandbags.
• Guppy Water Filled Flood Tubes: Garrison’s water filled flood tubes provides an easy and effective water barrier. Each water filled flood control tube becomes heavy with water, creating a durable, heavy duty temporary water barrier berm that protects against rising flood waters.
• Serpent Inflatable Flood Tubes: Serpent Flood Tubes easily inflate with air and can be deployed quickly in a desired protection area. They store compactly and are able to deploy quickly while creating a sturdy flood barrier solution.

Sump Pumps and Back-flow Valves:

• Sump Pumps: Install a sump pump in your basement or crawl space to remove excess water and prevent flooding inside the home. Ensure that the pump has a battery backup in case of power outages.
• Back-flow Valves: Install back-flow valves on your sewer lines to prevent sewage from backing up into your home during heavy rains and flooding.

Sealants and Coatings:

• Caulk Vulnerable Areas: Apply waterproof sealants and coatings to your home’s foundation, walls, and windows to prevent water infiltration.

GARRISON'S MODERNIZED FLOOD PROTECTION SYSTEMS!

Garrison Flood Control is dedicated to helping homeowners safeguard their residences against the devastating effects of hurricane flooding. By offering a comprehensive suite of flood protection products and solutions, Garrison ensures that homeowners have access to the best tools for defending their properties.

Our team at Garrison works closely with homeowners to develop tailored flood mitigation strategies that address specific vulnerabilities, ensuring that we can recommend the most optimal solution to fit a specific need.

With Garrison Flood Control, homeowners can have peace of mind knowing their property is equipped to withstand the challenges of hurricane flooding and that one step of the entire preparedness process is taken care of by a team of Flood Specialists.

STAY AHEAD OF THE STORM WITH GARRISON FLOOD!

Start preparing today and contact one of our expert Flood Specialists who will help diagram out the most ideal protective solutions for your needs