Is your home and garden flood ready?

One minute it’s a torrential downpour, and the next thing you know, your backyard has transformed into a swimming pool and water is inching up toward your front door.

Flood damage can also be surprisingly vicious — ruining floors, furniture and, in some cases, the structural integrity of your home.

And don’t get us started on the damp, mould and utter mayhem that follows.

The good news?

A little bit of preparation goes a long way in reducing the impact of a flood on your home and garden.

Here’s how to make sure you’re prepared before the next big storm hits.

If you’re only considering your plumbing after the water’s already pooling in your living room, you’re already 10 steps behind.

Floods can overwhelm drainage systems, causing water to back up into your home — something no one wants to deal with.

This is where getting your pipes, drains and gutters checked by a reliable plumber before storm season hits can save you a lot of unpleasant surprises.

Of course, if you ever find yourself in a situation where water is coming in fast and you need immediate assistance, searching for an emergency plumber near me can be a literal lifesaver.

But ideally, you won’t need to do that at the last minute — getting ahead of the problem is key.

A good tip is to think about adding a backflow prevention valve to prevent flood water from entering through drains and keep your gutters clean so they’re not clogged when the rain comes on hard.

Flooding can occur quickly, and once water is inside your home, there is no easy way to stop it.

With this in mind, elevating anything that is valuable or susceptible to water damage is one of the most effective damage prevention methods.

This includes electrical appliances, furniture, and even important documents.

In flood-prone areas, raising power outlets and wiring above flood levels can also help avoid serious hazards.

For your garden, consider flood-protective measures like waterproof storage for tools, furniture and other outdoor items.

Additionally, if you’re an avid gardener, installing raised garden beds can protect plants from drowning in flood water, while permeable surfaces like gravel or paving stones can help water drain instead of pooling.

Investing in proper drainage solutions for your yard can be a game changer when the rain doesn’t stop rolling in.

Home insurance is one of those things you don’t think about until disaster strikes — and when it does, it’s too late.

Many homeowners assume their policy covers flood damage, but that’s not always the case.

So, go through your policy and read the fine print.

Is your coverage for flood-related damage or general water damage?

Is there an excess?

Are there exclusions?

Check with your insurer if you’re not sure.

Additional flood insurance is mandatory under some policies, and if you live in a high-risk area, it’s worth ensuring that you’re covered.

The last thing you want is to find out too late that flood damage isn’t covered, leaving you to foot the bill for repairs.

When a flood warning hits, what begins as a calm day can devolve into confusion in no time.

Having a clear plan can help you act quickly and avoid last-minute panic.

Start with the basics:

Know your exits – If you need to evacuate, which routes are the safest?

Have an emergency kit – This should contain essentials such as torches, batteries, non-perishable food, bottled water and important documents.

Shut down utilities if you need to – Floodwater and electricity do not mix. Know how to shut off power, gas and water if necessary, safely.

If you have pets, include them in your plan, too.

Store their food, leashes and carriers in an easily accessible area so that you can snatch them up quickly if you have to hurry outside.

Flood checklists are one way to ensure you’re not scrambling, trying to remember everything when it really matters.

Your garden is more important for flood prevention than you may realise.

If you notice that water puddles up around your home due to poor drainage, it increases the risk of it seeping inside.

Start by checking that your downspouts direct water away from your home’s foundation.

If they don’t, use extension pipes to carry the water further out.

You could also consider installing a rain garden.

For those who don’t know — this is an intentionally planted area with soil designed to absorb excess rainwater.

These not only help prevent flooding but also add to your garden’s aesthetic.

Another good option is a French drain, which carries water away through gravel-lined trench to a safer area.

These small tweaks can make a big difference in how well your property deals with heavy rain.

When the water begins to rise, physical barriers can serve as your best defence.

While the classic sandbags are still a pretty solid option, there are some newer technologies, such as water-activated flood barriers that unfold like a tent to create a solid barricade, to choose from.

Whichever option you go for, be sure to put up barriers around doorways, vents and garage openings to keep water out.

If you have basement windows or other low-entry points, make sure they’re sealed properly.

A few preventative measures can save you thousands in repairs later.

Finally, it’s easy to overlook the role your landscaping plays in flood prevention, but it can make a big difference.

Tall trees with heavy branches can snap off and cause damage to your home during storms, and thick shrubbery can impede drainage pathways.

Trimming back trees on a regular basis and allowing stormwater to move freely through the garden can mitigate the risk of flooding.

If your yard is susceptible to collecting water, think about regrading the land to redirect runoff away from your house.

You can also plant deep-rooted native plants that help absorb excess moisture.

The more control you have over where rainwater flows, the better your chances of keeping your home dry.

Final Thoughts

Flood-proofing your home and garden doesn’t have to be a massive, complicated or expensive project — but a little bit of preparation can go a long way in protecting your humble abode.

A few smart investments and the right preparation — regular maintenance, a good emergency plan — can completely change the game when extreme weather comes a knocking.

So use this time to check your plumbing, improve drainage and put a plan into place.

Because when it rains, it pours, and you’ll be glad you did.

Good luck and stay safe out there!