Avoid building in a floodplain unless you elevate and reinforce your home
 

 

 Elevate the furnace, water heater, and electric panel if susceptible to flooding


 

 Install "check valves" in sewer traps to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your home


 

 Construct barriers (levees, beams, floodwalls) to stop floodwater from entering the building


 

 Seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage