How to protect your home from flood damage as heavy rain moves through Charlotte
About 30 people were evacuated from their homes in Kannapolis on Tuesday as heavy rain continued to pummel the Charlotte area.
Low-lying streets across Kannapolis were closed, including Louise Avenue, Marie Avenue, Waldorf Drive, Mable Avenue, 22nd Street, Pine Street, Tiffany Avenue, Cadillac Street and Pump Station Road, The Charlotte Observer reported. No one was hurt, and the American Red Cross was assisting displaced residents.
Kannapolis hasn’t been the only area affected by flooding in the Charlotte area this week.
Roads were flooding “in numerous areas” in the Charlotte region, the National Weather Service office in Greer, South Carolina, reported on Twitter.
Charlotte could see up to two inches of rain over the next 24 hours, according to a flood watch issued by the NWS Wednesday morning.
“Numerous rounds of showers will continue to move over the area today, and likely continue tonight into Thursday, with periods of heavy rainfall expected,” the NWS says. This will likely cause new flash flooding to develop.”
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, an inch of flooding can cause up to $25,000 in property damage.
Here’s how to check whether your home is prone to flooding and how to protect it from water damage.
Check whether you live in a floodplain
The best way to determine whether your property is a flood risk is by checking if you live in a floodplain. Mecklenburg County residents can enter their address in the 3D Interactive Floodzone Map on the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services website. You can also enter addresses in FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center.
Buying flood insurance
One of the best ways homeowners can prepare for floods is by purchasing flood insurance, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services Senior Communications Specialist John Wendel told the Observer last year.
“Flood insurance is not typically covered by your homeowner’s insurance, so you need to add that if you live in a floodplain,” Wendel said. “In fact, many mortgage lenders may require you to have flood insurance if you live on a floodplain.”
However, flood insurance plans usually have a waiting period of around 30 days, Wendel said, meaning damage from Hurricane Ian would not be covered if they were purchased recently.
If you need help finding a provider, visit floodsmart.gov.
How to protect your Charlotte home from water damage
Here are some steps you can take to make your home more flood resistant, according to FEMA:
Keep your gutters and drains free of debris
Install a water alarm
Replace carpeting with tiles
Stockpile emergency protective materials such as plywood, plastic sheeting and sandbags
Elevate your heating system, water heater and electric panel
Elevate or move your furniture
Waterproof your basement
Invest in a sewer backflow valve to prevent sewage backup
