Property Protection Measures

Each year, flooding causes more property damage in the United States than any other type of natural disaster. While recent construction practices and regulations have made new homes less prone to flooding, many existing structures remain susceptible.

Throughout the country there is a growing interest among property owners to develop practical and cost effective methods for reducing or eliminating exposures to flooding.

Effective Methods to Prevent Flood Damage

  • Acquisition and relocation of a building to a site not subject to flooding
  • Construction of floodwalls or berms to keep water away from the property
  • Retrofitting structures to make them floodproof

Retrofitting

Retrofitting is a unique approach because the property itself remains subject to flooding while the building is modified to prevent or minimize flooding of habitable space.

There are several recognizable approaches to retrofitting:

  • Elevation of the structure above flood protection levels
  • Construction of barriers (floodwalls, berms)
  • Dry floodproofing (water tight floor and wall systems)
  • Wet floodproofing (permits entry and passage of flood waters)

Emergency Actions to Prevent Flood Damage

In the event of pending flood threats it is always advisable to take the following emergency actions:

  • Sand bagging to reduce erosion and scouring
  • Elevate furniture above flood protection levels
  • Create floodway openings in non-habitable areas such as garage doors
  • Seal off sewer lines to the dwelling to prevent the backflow of sewer waters

Contact Us

For more information, please contact Public Works at 407-742-0625.

If your property has an on-going flooding and drainage problem, the County will make a site visit to your property to provide one-on-one advice regarding possible solutions.