How to reduce flood damage in your home – NBC 6 South Florida

Flooding in South Florida is inevitable, especially during rainy season.

Rainy season runs from May 15 to October 15. However, there are times when flooding happens outside of rainy season, so it’s imperative to be prepared no matter the season.

NBC6 is on your side, showing you different ways to remain flood proof in the event a storm brings heavy flooding. Protecting your property is key and there are several adjustments residents can make to their homes to prepare.

Water Barriers

Water barriers are a popular options for homeowners, and most likely the most affordable option. There are various water barrier system available that are as cheap as $20 to a few hundred dollars.

They come in a variety of sizes as well, from 12 feet long to 50 feet long. Some water barriers are activated by filling the bags with water, others are self-activating.

Waterproof Walls

Waterpoof walls could be a solution to reducing water damage in your home. There is a modular system that’s available to protect your traditional walls.

Panels made from polymers and metals can be used in the home. These panels are resistant to fresh and salt water when compared to drywall that absorbs water and breaks easily.

“They don’t shrink. They don’t swell. They don’t bend. They don’t change. But, the second part of the story is, all the components can be removed,” explained Alex Lorenz, the founder of EnduraFlood. His company installs the waterproof walls which can be as high as 51 inches.

The cost of the system is based on the project you design and its size. On the EnduraFlood website you can ‘Build My Order’, and figure out what you need as well as see specifications and prices.

Gutters

The easiest thing you can do to reduce flooding damage in your home is cleaning gutters.

“It is something that you should do regularly. The reason it is important is water builds up in your gutters, leaves build up, and when that happens, it damages your home and messes up the foundation, the fascia. It also brings rodents and pests to the home,” explained Julian Xuarez, a manager at Window Genie Miami.

Xuarez added that the dirtiest gutters are the ones typically surrounded by lots trees or close to the ocean. “That wind and that sand and all that builds up in the gutters, that’s landing on your roof or in your home,” he said. “It actually does affect there when it fills up and it’s not able to let that water pass through freely.”

Elevation

Raising your home to a higher elevation could be one of the best options to flood proof your home. The process can be arduous and costly.

Florida offered in April 2025 a program that helped eligible homeowners to elevate, rebuild or implement wind mitigation measures on their property. The Elevate Florida program is currently not taking new applicants.

For those who did not qualify for the state program, Alpha Foundations explained three options to protect your home if you’re unable to elevation your entire home.

Rain Gardens

Rain gardens help to mitigate flooding and they are easy to create and come at little cost. Experts share three things to consider when building your own rain garden in your backyard.

• Pick native species.
• Create an area at the center of the garden that is at a lower elevation
• Make sure you have good soil.

Fire Prevention

Most people may not think about their home as a fire risk during a flood, but experts say that’s one of the greatest risks. Fort Lauderdale Fire Chief Stephen Gollan said that house fires ignite most commonly after flooding and not during the flooding. There are specific steps to take to prevent a fire during flooding. Read full story here.

Fire risk may not be top of mind during flooding, but local firefighters say they see an uptick in fires after a storm has flooded neighborhoods. NBC6 Reporter Sophia Hernandez shows you how to reduce the fire risk in your home ahead of a storm.

Protecting Your Vehicle

While the focus has been heavily on protecting your home, protecting your vehicle is just as important.

The Director of AAA South Florida, Andre El Khouri, said the most important thing to remember is not to forget about car insurance.
“We forget sometimes the coverage for the car comprehensive and collision. So, it’s good to have that coverage in place. And it’s good to have the policy document in a safe place,” El Khouri explained.

Once you have all your important documents in a safe place, including your car registration, turn your focus on the physical protection of your car.

“Before the storm, it’s important to have the car in a safe place, and by a safe place we mean in the garage that of course, we assume that is, hurricane resistant,” said El Khouri. “If we don’t have a place to put the car inside the garage, we can cover the car with a tarp or some type of covers that is going to protect for maybe debris flying during the time of the storm.”

El Khouri added that before you leave your car protected, check to make sure the windows are closed.

Another good tip from Braman Miami, is to take pictures of your car before the storm. Typically, inside your car, outside of your car, and even your tires. Make sure you have a full tank of gas or a completely charged battery before the storm. Put your emergency brake on just in case, and lock the car after your leave. If possible, try to put your car in an elevated place.

Now what do you do during a storm?

Listen to your local authorities and meteorologists to see when it’s safe to leave your home.

“Wait for the storm to pass to see what the damages have been, so you can assess the best option for you to go forward with your life form,” El Khouri said.

And after the storm?
“If we have assessed any damage on the car, let’s call the insurance company so the claim adjuster can come as soon as possible. So, to assess the damages and start the repairs needed,” explained El Khouri.

If when you start your car, it’s making a weird noise or not working properly, don’t proceed to use it. Call the manufacturer or your local fire department for help.

To find out if your home is located in a flood zone, check out the Flood Maps created by FEMA.