Ways to Check for House At Risk of Floods and Storm
Is your home at risk of floods or storms?
Statistics from the Meteorological Department show that Thailand typically has an average of 3–4 storms per year between May and August [1]. Each year, storms and other natural disasters such as floods cause damaging impacts to many homes. Therefore, It’s vital to know whether your house is exposed to such risks.
Here are some factors that determine your risk level:
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Location
Being located near the following areas puts your house at a higher risk of flooding:
- A water source (such as canals, rivers, lakes, or even seaside areas) means you may be exposed to certain threats (e.g., higher sea levels, overflowing water at the banks due to heavy rain). - Road elevation or construction of new roads can cause your property to be situated lower than the road level; therefore, there is an increased flood risk when it rains heavily.
- Frequent construction of new homes and buildings can affect the soil layer around your house, allowing flood waters to enter your home. While it is possible to detect early signs of damaged soil layer (e.g., visible cracks in the house), we recommend engaging a professional to conduct a more thorough inspection.
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Surroundings
Storms can also bring about strong winds that blow over large trees or outdoor advertising structures over and damage your house.
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Home design is key.
Depending on where your house’s location, there are ways to mitigate flood and storm risks.
If your home is in an area prone to wind or flooding, a proper design can greatly reduce damage. For example, if your home is situated in a flood-prone area, it should be built above the flood level to be reasonably protected from a flood. Other options include building a wall or a steel plate to block the water and having flood protection equipment ready at all times.
If your home is in a high-storm-risk area, make sure the house and any extensions are supported by a structure resistant to strong winds and storms.
Floods and storms are unpredictable natural disasters with great damage potential to your house in the short and long term. Be mindful of the exposures that make your home vulnerable to these unfortunate events. Stay alert and prepared with this checklist to protect your family and house before, during, and after a flood or storm
References:
[1] Data on Storms from the Meteorological Department
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