Preventing Flood Damage - Existing Home

If you have a problem with floodwater, there are six approaches you can take to prevent damage in future floods:

1. Elevate the building.
2. Stop floodwater in the yard with a free-standing barrier.
3. Stop floodwater at the wall by sealing the building (this technique is more appropriate, and a legal alternative to elevation, for non-residential buildings).
4. Stop sewer backup.
5. Raise appliances and utilities.
6. Use finishing materials that water won't hurt.

Visit the pages linked below for more information about these techniques.

Related Articles

• Are You Ready for Rain? Floodproofing Tips and Techniques
• Overview - Video
• Elevation Provides the Best Protection for Flood Damage
• Above the Flood - Slab Elevation Video 
• Stop Floodwater at the Wall - Dry Floodproofing 
• Dry Floodproofing - Video
• Flood Wraps and Temporary Shields
• Stop Floodwater in the Yard - Floodwalls and Levees
• Floodwalls and Levees - Video
• Using Sandbags for Flood Protection
• Using Water-Inflated Barriers for Flood Protection
• Sandbags and Water Inflatables - Video
• Using Panels as Closures for Flood Protection
• Panel Closures - Video
• Using Pumps in Flood Protection
• Preventing Sewer Backflow with a valve in the common sewer line
• Stopping Sewer Backflow by Blocking Points of Entry
• Stopping Sewer backflow using the Bag-o-Rags Technique
• Sewer Backflow and Pumps - Video
• Wet Floodproofing
• Raise Appliances and Utilities
• Use Finishing Materials that Water Won't Hurt
• Wet Floodproofing - Video
• Are You Ready for Rain? Floodproofing Tips and Techniques
• Making an Informed Decision - Video
• Floodproofing grant programs and flood insurance

To find flood protection products, visit the LSU AgCenter's Virtual Mall for Floodproofing.

Additional Resources:

• FEMA Mitigation Library
• Corps of Engineers National Non-Structural Flood Proofing Committee