If you are a residents in or around Moorhead, Minnesota then you know how serious matters are just now. After the latest spring storm that dumped several inches of wet, sloppy snow on the ground, the Red River is expected to crest at 20 feet above flood level this weekend. Minnesota's Governor Tim Pawlenty declared a state of emergency in 28 counties in his state due to the high chance of spring flooding and called in the National Guard to assist in sandbagging and other efforts to keep the water at bay.

If you are looking for ways to protect your home from flood damages , there are several things you can do, depending on where you home is located, the characteristics of your property and the building codes in your community. Some methods you can do yourself while others may require a professional contractor. Even though there is no sure way to know if the water will enter your home or how much will seep in, you can still go ahead and elevate your heavy appliances such as your washing machine, dryer, stove and refrigerator onto blocks or pressure-treated lumber at least 12 inches off the floor. Another option is to move them to a higher floor. Your furnace and water heater can also be elevated on blocks or moved inside a flood wall. You can also wrap your appliances in shrink wrap and secure it with rope. This will prevent silt from getting into them and will make cleanup much easier if they become submerged.

If you have a fuel tank on your property, it could easily tip over or float during a flood, spilling fuel or even catching fire. It is very difficult to clean a home that has been infiltrated with flood water and a fuel oil mixture and often very expensive. Therefore it is a good idea to anchor the tank with chains and/or heavy blocks. In the basement, plug the floor drains to stop ground water from rushing in. You can wedge a flexible rubber ball that is 1 ¼ the size larger than the diameter of the drain pipe. Considering the fact that the water pressure can be tremendous, you should next take a 2 x4 and place it tightly between the ball and the ceiling to prevent the drain plug from coming out.

You should be certain to shut off the electricity to the areas of your home that may flood. Even if the water does not reach the electrical outlets, the risk of shock is high. Unscrew fuses and shut off the breakers. Move valuable papers, dry food items, clothing, linens, computers and televisions to a higher floor or take them out of the house completely to a safe place.

Follow these tips and be sure to remember your pets. Make arrangements for them to live elsewhere. Talk to your family about your evacuation plans should it become necessary and be certain not to hesitate to leave your home should you be told by officials to get out. If you receive damages, make certain to call and expert water damage restoration company to help get you cleaned up and dried out ASAP.

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