Storms and extreme tides can cause Long Beach Island to flood because it is a low-lying barrier island. Heavy rains can quickly overwhelm the drains, while tides can cause bay water to back up through storm drains into the streets. These factors make homes in Long Beach Island at a high risk of flooding.
At Stretch Cleaning & Restoration, we specialize in flood damage cleanup and we want to share some of our best advice for how to prepare your LBI home for flooding and prevent as much flood damage as possible.
Elevate Electrical Appliances And Equipment: One way to help reduce flood damage is to keep your appliances dry and above the level of the water. Consider elevating your HVAC, water heater, washer, dryer, or any other appliances or large pieces of equipment on pedestals or platforms. A safe height for electrical appliances for a home in a flood plain is at least 1 foot above the Base Flood Elevation.
Protect Valuable Documents/Possessions: Important documents, photos, sentimental items, and other valuable possessions should be stored in a safe, water-tight container placed in an easy-to-reach location that is also above the potential flood elevation. This way you will know what container to grab and where to get it in the case of emergency evacuation while also providing the best protection if you are not able to remove the container before flooding occurs.
Check Your Foundation: Any foundation cracks or damaged areas need to be found and fixed right away to prevent water seepage into your home. Apply mortar, masonry caulk, or hydraulic cement to all cracks seen in the foundation. To really up your flood-damage-prevention game, you can waterproof your basement/crawl space walls by sealing them with waterproofing compounds to help stop seepage from working its way into your home.
Clean Out Flood Vents: Many homes in high-risk flood zones have flood vents that allow flooding water to flow through the crawlspace or basement of your home. If your home does not already have these, consider getting them installed. If you do have flood vents, make sure you clean them out regularly so there is no debris or build-up that could block the flow of the water.
Use Temporary Flood Barriers When Suggested And Available: For major storm flooding, there is often a window (though it may be brief) of time to track the storm and prepare for the oncoming damage. If authorities recommend utilizing flood gates, sandbags, inflatable floodwalls, or any other type of temporary flood barrier, take their advice and use them! Do not underestimate to benefit of sandbagging your home to help reduce flood damage.
For more information on how to be prepared for flood damage, you can go to FEMA.GOV. If you have suffered flood damage and now need help with the cleanup, you can call Stretch Cleaning & Restoration. We know what it takes to get your home and life back to normal following flood damage so call us right away to get started on your cleanup.
Storms and extreme tides can cause Long Beach Island to flood because it is a low-lying barrier island. Heavy rains can quickly overwhelm the drains, while tides can cause bay water to back up through storm drains into the streets. These factors make homes in Long Beach Island at a high risk of flooding. 