Measures to protect a property from flood damage are quite numerous. Visit the Hampton Public Library and search the card catalog for "flood" to find additional resources and ideas for property protection. Also go to Protecting Your Home for additional tips specific to the coastal storm hazard experienced in Hampton.

• Mark your fuse or breaker box to show the circuits to the floodable areas. Turning off the power to these areas prior to flooding can reduce property damage and save lives. Turn off the gas prior to coastal storms, as well, to prevent fires if lines rupture during the storm.
• Consider elevating your home above flood levels. This was done by property owners in several City neighborhoods after Hurricane Isabel, and flood waters now flow under the houses without inflicting damage. Go to www.hampton.gov/eoc/elevation.html to learn more. There are many variables that impact the cost to elevate, including: condition of your home, type of foundation, elevations of the 100-year flood, the ground, and lowest floor of your home, and other structural elements. Three recent flood elevation projects near Hampton averaged $70,000 per structure, but each structure is vastly different.
• The cost of elevating a home may be too high right now, but you may be able to elevate or protect individual components such as your HVAC unit, ductwork, or plumbing at a significantly lower cost. Elevating an HVAC unit alone is expected to cost between $750 and $2500 when performed by a licensed contractor. The cost savings is significant if you consider that the unit would not have to be replaced after the next flood.
• Check your structure for water entry points. These can be basement windows, doors, or dryer vents. These openings can be protected with low walls or temporary shields to be installed before flood events. Note that it may be more appropriate to allow some areas to flood, such as garages or sheds, but to also protect components such as washing machines by elevating them. Many of these retrofit projects can be performed by do-it-yourself homeowners in just a short week or weekend and at minimal cost for supplies.
• Install a floor drain plug, standpipe, overhead sewer, or sewer backup valve to prevent sewer backup flooding.
• Note that some flood protection measures may need a building permit and others may not be safe for your building, so be sure to visit Codes Compliance before beginning retrofit projects.