Flood mitigation can help reduce the impact of floodwaters on a property. During renovation or construction, property owners, based on their location's flood zone and land use, may decide to elevate their building, utilize water-resistant materials, elevate electrical and mechanical equipment, install sewer backflow valves, or install flood vents.
Other mitigation efforts may involve creating swales or retention ponds, planting vegetative buffers, or using permeable pavement.
In the event of an imminent flood threat, property owners may take emergency floodproofing methods, such as
o Placing sandbags or plastic sheeting in front of doorways and other low entry points.
o Moving valuable items to a higher level.
o Creating floodway openings in non-habitable areas such as garage doors.
o Sealing off sewer lines to the dwelling to prevent the backflow of sewer waters.
o Disposing of lawn waste and trash
