The Top 5 Flood Prevention Strategies

5/3/2019 (Permalink)

Rain gardens can slow the rate of drainage in your commercial property in Austin Springs, TN

Five Flood Prevention Strategies

There are a number of ways for municipalities and commercial property owners to reduce the risk of flooding. Find out more about five flood prevention strategies that are already in use in flood zones and may be useful for managing flood water in Austin Springs, TN.

1. Barriers

A variety of barrier designs are used to stop flooding caused by rising surface water levels. Self-closing or manual barrier installations and dams can be ideal for inland waterways. Levees and tide gates are useful for coastlines with estuaries or sloughs.

2. Diversions

Water can be diverted on a large scale with manmade canals or floodways, temporary holding ponds or destinations in existing bodies of water. Depending on the design, diversion routes may run through basins on the surface or underground.

3. Groundwater Replenishment

One of the most effective flood prevention strategies for communities or property owners also involves controlling the flow of groundwater. Rain gardens can slow the rate of drainage. Floodplain restoration is also helpful for recharging groundwater and reducing flooding.

4. Grading

Adjusting the grading of landscaping is another effective way for commercial properties to control the flow of flood water. In general, water should flow away from the foundation of a structure and toward drainage.

5. Building Design

A structure with a properly designed building envelope and a well-maintained roof is less likely to flood or sustain water-related storm damage. If damage does occur, an owner or manager should rely on the specialized flood cleaning expertise and equipment of mitigation and restoration professionals.

Building barriers and large-scale diversions such as canals or floodways will usually require municipal or other public authorization and funding in Austin Springs, TN. Property owners and managers can pursue on-site flood prevention by adding groundwater replenishment features, adjusting the grading of a property and designing or retrofitting a structure to keep out moisture and flood water.