Flood protection
Unusually heavy precipitation occurs twice as often in Germany today as it did 100 years ago, often resulting in flooding. We explain below how you can best prepare.
Risk area? – Check the location of the building
A few things should be considered during construction. If you build a building near a river, you should make sure that it is protected from danger. Those responsible can carry out an initial check using the natural hazard check tool.
Taking structural precautions
Even simple structural measures, such as flood-proof windows and doors, can be very effective. In general, entrances and French windows should be raised, and you may have to do without a cellar. Alternatively, it is advisable to build the cellar as a kind of waterproof tub. To ensure that it does not flood, backwater valves can be installed. In areas at risk of flooding, the public sector often takes additional measures, such as building rainwater retention basins or dikes and dams.
The classic approach: follow the weather forecast
Find out about flood warnings and weather reports on the radio, television or internet – following the motto “No news is good news”. The transnational flood portal offers an interactive map on the internet that provides an overview of specific hazards and risks posed by flooding. Of course, digital tools can also be used. Weather apps and push notifications provide important information on your smartphone. Warning apps such as KATWARN or NINA are also helpful. These digital early warning systems provide information about dangerous situations in your own region and give tips on what precautions should be taken.
Prevention measures: sandbags, protective systems, flood box
Protective systems should be installed in case the water reaches the building. These are available from specialist retailers. In an emergency, plywood and other building materials can also be used as a protective wall. Sandbags can be used to build protective barriers around the building to protect it from the water. If the water is already in the basement, the only thing that will help is to use pumps. However, in the event of major flooding, the fire brigade has to set priorities and cannot provide immediate assistance to everyone affected. For such cases, you can keep a flood box – an emergency aid kit – from the hardware store or online store at the ready. It contains a submersible pump that can also be used in the event of pressing groundwater.
If it does happen
If a flood warning has already been issued, those responsible should not act rashly. A quick trip down to the basement can be life-threatening in this situation. Cash, important documents and records should be secured and vulnerable people and children protected from the floods. In this case, an emergency plan could also be implemented.
Protect property – turn off gas and electricity
If the floodwater continues to rise, further rules must be observed: the heating system must be secured; if necessary, specialists can provide assistance. In addition, those responsible should turn off the electricity, water and gas. In addition to the damage to the building, the household contents are usually also affected. If there is still enough time, all items in the basement and on the ground floor should be cleared as a precaution after the safety measures have been taken.
Take out insurance
And last but not least: don't forget to take out appropriate insurance. This way, you are well prepared for an emergency, and you can hope that the next heavy rainfall will spare your building and property.
Further tips
Further information can be found on the website of the Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance. There you will find some tips and a guide with a checklist – the NINA warning app is also provided there: www.bbk.bund.de.
The website www.dieversicherer.de provides individual information about the possible risk of natural hazards.
Information on structural precautions can be found in the flood protection primer from the Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community: www.fib-bund.de