City Of Houma | City Of Houma website
City Of Houma | City Of Houma website
On May 14, 2024, Recovery Assistance & Mitigation Planning discussed the potential benefits of flood protection products for homeowners in areas prone to rain-induced flooding. In addition to having an evacuation plan for hurricanes, these residents may find value in purchasing products designed to prevent flood waters from entering their homes or limiting their spread within the property.
Companies such as Dam Easy, Quick Dam, and New Pig offer a range of products aimed at preventing water from seeping through doorways or redirecting it away from structures. These floodwater barriers fill with air or flood water and dry for reuse. They can be installed in doorways or used to encircle entire homes. This can be particularly useful for homes with low areas resulting from enclosed patios and garages or directional flooding caused by street traffic.
Among the available options are patented Flood Gates that can block entryways from flood water within minutes. These gates provide flood protection up to 26 inches high while keeping the entryway accessible. There are also Flood Bags that activate and swell when wet, eliminating the need for sand or labor-intensive sandbag filling. These bags can be stacked to create a stable wall.
Another product is Water Force, a portable water dam that deploys quickly with minimal labor. It rises with the flow of oncoming water and is reusable, offering protection heights ranging from 6 inches to 5 feet.
Most of these products are reusable, although it may take months for some items like bags to dehydrate. Some products are not suitable for use in saltwater environments so homeowners should research according to their specific flood risk factors.
In considering these products, it's important to remember that flood water can infiltrate through weep holes as well as doorways. Costs vary by product and area size needing protection. When shopping, homeowners should compare the cost of these products against potential costs associated with a flood event.
Other market options include Tiger Dams and Aqua Dams, which are filled with water prior to an event and then drained for storage and reuse. These can be used in a saltwater environment.
The Parish does not recommend or endorse any particular product or company. This information is provided in response to residents requesting guidance on reducing flooding from rain events.
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