Guidelines for protecting your house from flooding

It's been said that "10 burglaries aren't as bad as one fire." However, in Thailand, where rainfall is frequent and flooding is a constant risk, it's fair to say that "10 burglaries aren't as bad as one flood." Flooding damages the house's structure, including belongings, furniture, and other valuables, leading to significant property losses. One effective way to mitigate this risk is to purchase house insurance with flood coverage. This covers your house's contents if damage occurs during a flood or after the water recedes but the property has not yet been removed.

While natural disasters like heavy rain and flooding are unavoidable, with proper preparation, you can manage and prevent potential damage. In addition to house insurance, we offer five ways to protect your house if you encounter flooding:




Prevent water from flowing from the road and water stagnation inside the house


For houses on low-lying land near a road, even those not exposed to storms, flooding can be a constant issue. Prevent this by using sandbags, wooden weirs, steel panels, or galvanized steel panels to support the structure and create a barrier against water. However, older houses prone to flooding can use septic tanks to drain the water. Regularly inspect your house's drains for blockages and leaks.

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Creating a water barrier using sandbags

In areas where flooding is nearing a critical point, sandbags are often the first choice for a water barrier, as they are readily available and heavy enough to resist water currents. However, sandbags should be arranged correctly. A good method involves digging a base in the center, approximately two bags deep and wide. Fill the bag halfway with sand and tie the top tightly. Arrange them in a pyramid pattern until the height is above the waterline. Cover with a layer of plastic.

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Using glass to create a water barrier for houses with elderly and female residents

For houses where men cannot lift sandbags, glass can be used to create a water barrier. Use a glass that fits the door and attach it to the electrical conduit behind it. Secure it with silicone glue and mark the glass to prevent accidents. This will prevent water from entering your house.

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Using garden cinder blocks to create a water barrier

For areas prone to frequent flooding You can use concrete blocks to create a water barrier. Arrange the bricks to fit snugly against the door or water line, overlapping them to a height that will prevent water from flowing. Cover with a large plastic sheet and tape. Then, place sandbags or small sandbags along the front to prevent water leaks.

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Don't forget to plan and prepare to move items to higher ground.

If your house has a history of flooding, research the water level in that area. If the water level exceeds one meter, plan to move valuable property or electrical appliances to higher ground. If you can't move them to the second floor, consider installing furniture or a sturdy foundation. Also, be sure to move electrical outlets to higher ground and disconnect the power supply. When the water level recedes, check the electrical system to ensure it's functioning properly. Many floods have resulted in fatalities from electrocution and electrical leakage.

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Get house insurance to reduce the cost of damage.

While it's not a way to prevent flooding, getting house insurance with flood coverage is a good way to prepare for flood damage. Floods can cause significant damage.

House insurance not only provides coverage for flooding caused by natural disasters, but also covers other water-related damages, such as leaks, burst pipes, and ceiling leaks. The insurance will compensate for damage to furniture and interior structures, subject to the terms and conditions of the insurance, allowing houseowners to ease concerns about the costs incurred after a flood.

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Article source: home.tqm