Preparing for floods means knowing your local risk, taking practical prevention steps, packing an emergency kit and plan, and recognizing when to call pros. Being ready limits water entry, speeds drying, and protects health by reducing exposure to contaminated water and mold. This guide walks Lexington and Irmo homeowners through checking flood zones, applying exterior and interior floodproofing, assembling a South Carolina–focused emergency kit, and handling insurance and first-response actions. You’ll find clear checklists, side-by-side comparisons to pick the right interventions, and straightforward trigger points for when to call restoration specialists. The focus is practical, neighborhood-level advice so you can act before, during, and after storms to reduce loss and recover faster.
Flooding here comes from heavy rain, tropical storms, and local creek or drainage overflow that overwhelm low spots and undersized storm systems. That creates both slow-rising floodplain flooding and fast flash floods in built-up areas where runoff climbs quickly. Understanding these local causes helps you decide what to prioritize. Start by checking federal and county flood maps, watching nearby waterways during storms, and noting areas that repeatedly hold water after heavy rain. Learning how flood zones and local topography affect your property is the first step toward focused protection and a usable emergency plan.
To see if your property is in a flood zone, use FEMA’s Flood Map Service and your county’s GIS floodplain viewer as primary resources. Enter your address, read the zone labels, and note whether you’re in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) or a moderate-to-low risk zone — that distinction affects insurance and permitting. If maps are unclear because of recent development or changed drainage, consider a professional assessment for an elevation certificate or a site grading review. A clear zone determination guides which prevention measures and insurance options make the most sense for your home.
Local flood risk rises when your property is near creeks or rivers, sits low, has limited stormwater capacity, or receives runoff from upstream development. Small tributaries and shallow basins can flood quickly during intense storms, and new construction that changes grading can redirect flows unexpectedly. Blocked culverts, aging drainage pipes, and steep driveways that funnel water toward foundations are common causes of household flooding. Spotting these vulnerabilities helps you pick site-specific fixes like improved grading, stabilized swales, or targeted barriers that work with how water moves on your lot.
Good flood prevention blends outside work on your site with interior hardening to keep water out, limit structural harm, and reduce mold risk. Outside measures move water away from foundations and seal entry points; inside measures protect systems and finishes and make drying faster if water gets in. Regularly clean gutters and drains, install targeted systems like sump pumps and backflow valves, and elevate utilities when you can — these are practical, cost-effective steps. Specifically, homeowners should regrade around the house and improve site drainage so water flows away from the foundation and won’t pool near the structure. It’s also important to keep gutters and downspouts clear and add splash blocks or extensions to move roof runoff away from the foundation. Inside, install a properly sized sump pump with battery backup and fit a sewer backflow valve to prevent contaminated backups. Additionally, raise water heaters, electrical panels, and other utilities, and use moisture-tolerant materials in basements and crawl spaces. These measures work together: better exterior drainage cuts the amount of water reaching the building, while interior systems like pumps and backflow valves handle what does enter — allowing faster mitigation and drying.
Combining site drainage, mechanical removal, and pressure-equalizing hardware gives layered protection that outperforms any single measure on its own.
Exterior floodproofing keeps water from reaching foundation walls and entry points by changing how water moves across your lot. Practical steps include regrading soil away from the foundation, installing surface drains and swales to channel runoff, and using temporary or permanent barriers like flood panels at openings. Thoughtful landscaping — permeable beds and rain gardens — slows runoff and encourages infiltration, lowering peak flow to storm drains. Choice depends on slope, distance to water, and budget: regrading and routine maintenance are usually the first, most cost-effective fixes; barriers and engineered systems suit higher-risk lots.
Interior protection aims to keep critical systems and finished surfaces from water damage and to make drying easier if intrusion happens. Key steps include a properly sized sump pump with battery backup, a sewer backflow valve, elevating appliances, and using water-resistant finishes in basements or ground floors. Keeping mechanicals raised above likely flood levels cuts repair complexity. Regular testing and maintenance of pumps, valves, and seals is essential so these systems work when you need them.
An emergency kit and family plan keep people safe, ensure basic care, and keep communication working during evacuations or sheltering in place — common needs during South Carolina storms. Your kit should hold essentials (water, food, meds, lighting, waterproof documents) and your plan should spell out evacuation routes, meeting points, and who communicates with whom. Account for pets, neighbors with limited mobility, and likely power outages when you pack and rehearse. For instance, store at least three days’ worth of water and nonperishable food to sustain household members during disruption. Include a first-aid kit, prescription medications, and sanitation supplies to manage health needs without immediate outside help. Pack flashlights, spare batteries, and a battery-powered or hand-crank radio for alerts when power or internet is out. Finally, keep important documents in waterproof containers and maintain digital backups of insurance and property records to speed claims and recovery. This compact list clarifies amounts and purposes so you can adapt the kit for pets, elderly household members, and ongoing medical needs, ensuring the plan supports quick, coordinated action.
A focused flood kit contains durable supplies to meet basic needs for at least 72 hours: water, nonperishable food, medications, lighting, sanitation, and essential documents. Prioritize prescription meds, copies of insurance policies, photo ID, and cash in a waterproof container. Add multi-use tools like a wrench to shut off utilities if needed. Account for mobility or medical equipment, pack pet supplies, and keep labeled kits in your home and vehicle. Rotate perishables seasonally so your readiness stays current without last-minute panic.
Your plan should identify primary and secondary routes out of your neighborhood, meeting spots, and an out-of-area contact who can coordinate check-ins when local networks are busy. Assign roles — who calls emergency services, who grabs kits, who secures pets — and practice the plan at least once a year, adjusting for school or work changes. Keep printed copies in each kit and make sure everyone knows how to use maps and local alert apps. Regular drills build muscle memory so family members act quickly and safely when water rises.
Flood insurance is separate from standard homeowners coverage and is critical in South Carolina, where flood exposure is often underestimated. Policies can cover the building and/or contents and are available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private insurers. Learn what each option covers, the waiting periods, and documentation requirements so you buy appropriate protection and speed claims afterward. Comparing NFIP building and contents coverage helps you decide what needs protection, and knowing the claims process reduces delays after a loss.
Most standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage, so assume you need a separate flood policy in Lexington and Irmo to cover water from rising bodies or heavy runoff. Exceptions are rare and usually require specific endorsements, so read your policy and talk with an agent about NFIP and private flood options. Buy coverage before storm season and remember NFIP often has a 30-day waiting period — planning ahead avoids last-minute gaps. Knowing this difference helps you decide whether to prioritize home hardening, insurance, or both.
Get NFIP coverage through an NFIP-participating insurance agent. Choose building and/or contents limits that match replacement cost needs, and factor in waiting periods and deductibles when planning. Keep both paper and digital copies of your policy and a photo inventory of valuables (receipts when possible) to speed any future claim. Report damage promptly after a flood; NFIP covers specified perils and has set limits, so consider private coverage to supplement NFIP if you need higher limits or broader terms. Document pre-loss conditions to strengthen your claim.
When flooding starts, safety comes first, then limiting property damage and preserving evidence for insurance. Follow a clear, prioritized sequence: evacuate if told to or if water threatens living areas, avoid contact with floodwater (it may be contaminated), and turn off utilities only when it’s safe to do so to reduce electrical and gas hazards. Photograph damage from a safe spot for insurance and restoration records, and call emergency services if people are in danger. The priority steps to follow in the first critical hours include evacuating immediately when ordered or if water reaches living areas, always putting people and pets first. Never walk or drive through floodwater, as even shallow water can hide strong currents and debris. If it’s safe, shut off electricity and gas at the main switches or valves to reduce fire and electrocution risk. Finally, from a safe location, photograph and log damage to support insurance claims and restoration planning. These steps protect lives, create a clear record for recovery, and prepare you to work with emergency responders and mitigation crews once it’s safe to return.
After those immediate safety actions, call professionals for contaminated or extensive standing water. Common Cents Restoration serves Lexington, Irmo, and Columbia from Blythewood, SC, and offers 24/7 emergency water damage restoration and flood cleanup to start rapid mitigation. Their services include water extraction, structural drying, dehumidification, and sewage/black water cleanup, plus water damage inspections to document losses for insurers. A local 24/7 team speeds containment and reduces secondary damage like mold — so contacting pros is a key next step once personal safety is secured.
Put people before property: move to higher ground early and avoid contact with floodwater that may carry sewage or chemicals. If you have time, move irreplaceable items and electronics to upper floors and set them on elevated surfaces. Use battery-powered lights and don’t use electrical systems that have been submerged until a qualified electrician inspects them. These quick moves lower the scale of loss and make restoration simpler while keeping family members safe.
Call professional restoration when standing water is more than a few inches inside, when sewage or black water is present, or when structural elements or wiring look damaged — those are clear triggers for trained help. Restoration pros provide emergency extraction, structural drying, dehumidification, and contamination control to limit mold and further deterioration. Common Cents Restoration offers 24/7 emergency response and water damage inspections for these situations; early contact helps salvage materials and smooth communication with insurers. Document what you see and have photos and a timeline ready for the restoration team to speed mitigation.
Common Cents Restoration is a local disaster restoration partner focused on fast mitigation and recovery for Lexington, Irmo, and Columbia. We provide post-flood services designed to restore safety and habitability: water extraction, structural drying, dehumidification, sewage/black water cleanup, and mold remediation to limit secondary damage and prepare homes for repairs. We also perform water damage inspections and assist with insurance documentation, offer free estimates and consultations, and stand behind our work with a one-year workmanship warranty. That mix of emergency response, claims support, and homeowner protections helps shorten recovery time and reduce stress.
Around-the-clock emergency services typically include rapid water extraction, forced-air structural drying, industrial dehumidification, and containment of contaminated water to protect occupants and neighboring properties. In the first 24–48 hours a mitigation team will assess hazards, remove standing water, deploy drying equipment, and document conditions for insurance — all actions that limit mold growth and structural damage. For sewage or black water events, specialized cleaning and disinfection protocols protect health and prepare the structure for repairs. Expect clear, ongoing communication about scope and timelines during emergency response so you can coordinate with insurers and contractors.
Insurance claims assistance reduces homeowner stress by preparing scope-of-loss documents, mitigation reports, and photo evidence that support claim approval and fair settlements. An experienced restoration provider can work with adjusters, submit detailed estimates, and explain remediation steps in plain terms, smoothing the path to approved repairs. This coordination shortens the gap between mitigation and reconstruction and lowers the chance of disputes over needed methods. For homeowners, having a partner handle documentation and adjuster communication speeds recovery and removes uncertainty.
Lexington County and state emergency agencies provide authoritative guidance, floodplain maps, permitting rules, and alert systems that help residents prepare for and respond to floods. County land development and emergency management offices post local advisories, maintain interactive flood maps, and coordinate shelters and response operations during major storms. Sign up for local alert systems and NOAA weather radio for timely warnings, and use county GIS tools to assess site-specific flood risk and permitting limits. Combining official resources with neighborhood planning ensures you get both regulatory guidance and practical, local support.
Lexington County land development and emergency services handle local floodplain mapping, permitting, and disaster coordination, while state agencies like the South Carolina Emergency Management Division coordinate larger mobilizations and federal assistance when needed. These agencies offer guidance on building in floodplains, elevation requirements, and post-disaster assistance programs, and they issue advisories and evacuation orders during events. Contact the appropriate county or state office for permitting questions, floodplain variances, or to report drainage problems that may need municipal action. Knowing who does what helps you find the right help for prevention, response, and long-term mitigation.
Get county flood maps and alerts through the Lexington County GIS portal and sign up for local emergency notifications for address-specific advisories. FEMA’s flood maps and the National Weather Service add model-based floodplain data and storm forecasts; use them alongside local GIS tools for the most accurate picture. For immediate help from local restoration professionals, Common Cents Restoration — based in Blythewood, SC — is listed as a local resource offering free estimates/consultations and 24/7 emergency services; check local directories or our website for contact details. Combining official maps with nearby service options gives you both reliable information and practical help when floods threaten.
Being prepared for floods matters for Lexington and Irmo homeowners — it cuts damage, protects health, and speeds recovery. Learn your local risk, take practical prevention steps, pack an emergency kit, and make a clear evacuation plan. When you combine prevention, good planning, and a dependable local restoration partner, you reduce stress and get back to normal faster. Start today by assembling your kit and reviewing your property’s drainage and insurance — and reach out if you need local, 24/7 restoration support.
Business Name: Common Cents Restoration
Address: 140 Adams Pond Rd, Blythewood, SC 29016
Phone:803-995-0234
Business Hours:
Mon - Fri: 08:00 AM to 05:00 PM
Sat-Sun: Closed
24 Hour Emergency Service Available
1 Year Workmanship Warranty
