As the climate warms, extreme storms are growing more common, and many homeowners are dealing with flooded basements and other costly water damage.
You cannot stop the rain from falling. But there are steps you can take to protect your home.
Brittany Dodge is the coastal training program coordinator for the Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve.
Dodge: “The easiest thing you can do is point your downspouts away from your home to prevent pooling at the corners of your house.”
So the water that flows into the gutter runs toward the yard, instead of your foundation.
Regrading the area around your home so it slopes away from the house — even slightly — can also help.
And your yard can soak up extra water better if you plant native grasses and long-rooted perennials.
For some homes, Dodge says it may also be helpful to install flood vents in a garage or crawl space. These vents allow water to pass through an unfinished space rather than pushing on the exterior walls, which can cause structural damage.
An expert can help determine what steps are right for your property.
Dodge: “Thinking about it now, instead of right before a hurricane or large storm occurs or after, is going to save you a lot of time and money.”
Reporting credit: Sarah Kennedy / ChavoBart Digital Media
We help millions of people understand climate change and what to do about it. Help us reach even more people like you.