Tips for Reducing Damage
The following measures may reduce damage to flood-susceptible properties:
For more information about flood safety, flood warnings, and online water level monitoring, see the Flood Safety page.
Building Permits
Before making any improvements, contact the Collegedale Economic Development Center at (423) 468-1967 to obtain applicable building permits.
The following measures may reduce damage to flood-susceptible properties:
- Grade your yard for proper drainage.
- Seal and protect water entry points. Use watertight seals and flood-resistant building materials.
- Elevate or anchor LP tanks and outbuildings.
- Install a floor drain plug, standpipe, overhead sewer, or sewer backup valve to prevent backup flooding. Elevate utilities such as heating and air conditioning systems, water heaters, washers / dryers, and other major appliances to higher floors or on raised platforms.
- Temporarily move furniture, electronics, and other valuables to higher floors; sandbag exterior openings. Mark your fuse or breaker box to quickly identify circuits to floodable areas. Turning off the power to the basement and low areas can reduce damage and save lives.
- Carry and maintain flood insurance.
- To avoid repetitive losses, consider elevating or relocating substantially damaged structures. Assistance may be available through the National Flood Insurance Program's (NFIP) Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) program.
For more information about flood safety, flood warnings, and online water level monitoring, see the Flood Safety page.
Building Permits
Before making any improvements, contact the Collegedale Economic Development Center at (423) 468-1967 to obtain applicable building permits.