Flooding: How to protect your home!

Protect your home from flood damage

Clear debris from gutters, downspouts, and drains: ensure proper flow of water.
Grade land so that it slopes away from the foundation.
Install French Drains: these are trenches filled with gravel or rock that redirect water away from your home’s foundation.
Collect water in Rain Barrels: reduce the volume of water around your property and use it as a source for irrigation. (If your roof is asphalt, beware of using it in fishponds, as a large quantity
of asphalt infused water will kill fish (I had this happen).
Install Downspout extensions which direct the water away from flood prone areas.
Install Sump Pumps: used in basements, crawl spaces and submersed,
Build Dry Wells: these are underground chambers, filled with gravel that can collect and slowly release water.
Think Permeable Surfaces: opt for permeable surfaces for walkways and driveways, allowing water to drain underground, instead of forming rivers which carry off the topsoil.
Plant Native Plants: these helps absorb water, improve drainage, and prevent erosion.
Mulch: mulch helps retain moisture and presents soil erosion. Keep it way from foundations, however, as it can also attract termites.
Consider hiring a professional landscaper, or drainage specialist for personalized advice. Local regulations, climate, and soil types, all come into play.