FEMA Officials Urge Residents to Protect Homes from Flooding

Posted on July 2, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI

There are just a few days left to register for federal disaster assistance, following February’s floods. The deadline is Thursday, July 5. You can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.

At the same time, FEMA urges residents to protect their homes from future flooding. Outside your home, make sure all gutters and downspouts are clean, so water flows away from the building. Keep debris away from storm drains and drainage ditches. FEMA officials also recommend improving your lot grading, to make sure storm water drains away from the house.

Seal basement walls and any cracks in your home’s foundation. Install a sump pump to protect your house from basement seepage and flooding.

FEMA also urges homeowners to buy flood insurance, noting that an inch of floodwater can cause more than $25,000 in damage.