Understanding the flood risk is the first step in flood prevention. Check your location’s proximity to water bodies and the history of flooding in your community. Utilize resources like FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center to determine if your home is in a high-risk area. Assessing the elevation of your home and observing water flow during rainfall can provide valuable insights into potential vulnerabilities.

Flood insurance is essential, especially if your home is in a flood-prone area. Standard homeowner’s insurance policies typically do not cover flood damage. Having a flood insurance policy can save you substantial repair costs.

Efficient drainage is crucial in preventing water from accumulating around your home. Clean your gutters twice yearly so that they direct rainwater away from your roof and foundation. Ensure downspouts extend 5-10 feet from your house. If your yard has persistent drainage issues, consider installing French drains or grading your lawn to slope away from your home. Landscaping solutions like berms and appropriate plants can also help manage water flow.

Smart devices can also play a significant role in flood prevention and management. Install smart sensors on pipes, furnaces, and washing machines to detect leaks and shut off systems automatically. Consider using check valves to prevent sewer water from backing into your home. Investing in these technologies can provide peace of mind and potentially lower your insurance premiums.

Additionally, prepare a safety kit with essential items like cleaning supplies, fans, extension cords, and a list of valuables to move in case of a flood. Having a written plan can help you act quickly and efficiently when needed.

If your home experiences flood damage, document everything thoroughly for insurance claims. Consider long-term investments to enhance flood protection, such as raising electrical outlets, installing a proper drainage system, or even elevating your home on stilts. These measures can significantly reduce future flood risks and repair costs, ensuring your home remains safe and secure.

A group of women recently gathered to photograph six generations of their family, including a 98-year-old lady and her great-great-great-granddaughter.

Gracie Howell, 58, shares that her 98-year-old grandmother has held “hundreds of babies” over the years, and the photo, taken a few months ago, shows MaeDell (Taylor) Hawkins cradling her great-great-great-granddaughter Zhavia, who was born in December. What makes the photo special is that it captures six generations of women.

Gracie is pictured with her mother, Francis, daughter Jacqueline, and granddaughter Jaisline, who is also the baby’s mother, alongside MaeDell and Zhavia.

Gracie says her grandma, who will be 99 years old in July, is still “as sharp as a tack” and isn’t afraid to freely speak her mind on how to properly raise a kid. “Zhavia got a little fussy” during the visit, and MaeDell, who now lives in a nursing home and remains in bed, “swooped her right out of mama’s arms.”

The 58-year-old shares that her grandmother’s life wasn’t always easy, but she never complained about it. MaeDell married her first spouse, a railroad worker who was gone most of the week when she was 16 and he was 50. They had 13 children together, in addition to her being the stepmother to his ten children.

They didn’t have any modern conveniences such as a washing machine, dryer, or dishwasher, and they didn’t even have running water until Gracie’s teenage years. However, this never stopped the family from enjoying hot breakfast and supper regularly and wearing clean clothes.

Over the years, the family kept growing. Grace even shared that they were expecting the 622nd baby to be born next. Having said that, six generations of women doesn’t sound like a big thing anymore, but still, the picture is really spectacular and very special for the big family.