Protect Your Property from the Hazard

Flood Hazard Information

Properties in the 100-year floodplain have a 1% chance of flooding in a given year. Put another way, properties in the floodplain have a 30% chance of flooding over the life of a 30-year mortgage.

FEMA recommends the following options to protect your property:

  • If you lose your boiler to flooding, elevate your replacement above the flood level for your property.
  • Consider raising your home if you are located below the Base Flood Elevation (100-year flood elevation).
  • If there are storm drains or swales located adjacent to your property, ensure that they are always clear of sediment and debris.
  • Additional methods for flood proofing your property can be found at the following FEMA link: Flood Proofing

In addition to FEMA's recommendations, property owners can take proactive steps to protect homes and property. These possible steps include:

  • Prepare for flooding by doing the following: 
    • Know how to shut off the electricity and gas to your house when a flood occurs.
    • Make a list of emergency numbers and identify a safe place to go if flooding occurs.
    • Be prepared to take temporary flood proofing measures. Move essential items and furniture to upper floors. Keep materials like sandbags, plywood and plastic sheeting handy for emergency waterproofing.
    • Make a household inventory, especially of basement contents.
    • Put insurance policies, valuable papers, medicine, etc. in a safe and waterproof location.
    • Collect and put cleaning supplies, camera, waterproof boots, etc. in a handy place. Develop a disaster response plan. For information about preparing your home and family for a disaster, please visit the Red Cross' website by clicking here.
    • Clean and maintain the catch basins and drains around your home, including roof gutters, down spouts, drain inlets, pipes, and drainage ditches. This step is especially relevant as autumn approaches and falling leaves clog catch basins grates.
    • If you see someone dumping items or liquid into the drainage system, contact the Conservation Department at (781) 925-8102 or the Police Department at (781) 925-1212.
    • Purchase flood insurance. Standard homeowner insurance policies do not cover losses due to floods. However, the Town of Hull participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which makes it possible for Hull property owners to obtain federally backed flood insurance. Flood insurance policies may cover the structure of the property and its contents separately. Make sure you have the coverage you need. Renters can insure their property against flood loss. Local insurance agents can sell an NFIP policy; all agents must charge the same rates. Do not wait for the next flood to buy insurance protection. In most cases there is a 30-day waiting period before coverage takes effect. 
  • Consider some permanent flood protection measures. (Note that some flood protection measures may need a building permit and/or a Conservation Commission permit. Also, note that some flood protection measures may not be safe for your type of building. Be sure to talk to the Building Department by calling (781) 925-1330 and the Conservation Department at (781) 925-8102. More information can be found on FEMA’s website by clicking here.
    • Mark your fuse or breaker box to show the circuits to the floodable areas. Turning off the power to the basement before a flood can reduce property damage and save lives.
    • Consider elevating your house above flood levels. FEMA has programs to assist in this process.
    • Elevate your furnace, water heater and electrical panel.
    • Check your building for water entry points such as basement windows, the basement stairwell, doors, and dryer vents. These features can be protected with low walls or temporary shields.
    • Install a floor drain plug, standpipe, overhead sewer, or sewer backup valve to prevent sewer backup flooding.
    • The Homeowners Guide to Retrofitting: Six Ways To Protect Your House From Flooding is available at the Hull Public Library or at the Conservation Department, and can be download from FEMA by clicking here. Additional flood protection materials are also available at the library. 
  • The Building and Conservation Departments can also provide insight to potential flood mitigation measures.