Around the globe as the atmosphere retains more moisture, extreme rain downpours are becoming more widespread. There are measures you can take to protect a home, mostly focused on managing water flow away from the foundation, reinforcing vulnerable areas, and ensuring proper drainage. This includes maintaining gutters and downspouts, sealing cracks in the foundation, reinforcing doors and windows, and considering features like French drains or sump pumps.

1. Water Management:
- Gutters and Downspouts. Keep gutters clean and free of debris and residue build up all year round so that water flows away from the house. Downspouts should also be directed away from the foundation (using extenders helps achieve this).
- Installing a sump pump in the basement or crawl space can remove excess water and prevent flooding. Several alert systems can help notify you of water build up.
- Seal any cracks in the foundation with waterproof sealant to prevent water seepage. There are companies that specialize in this.
- Ensure the ground slopes away from the house to direct water flow away from the foundation. The more exposed land, the better to allow natural water absorption (permeable pavers and surfaces prevent extreme run-off).

2. Reinforce Vulnerable Areas:
- Regularly inspect and maintain the roof. Replace any damaged or missing shingles/tiles. Installing impact resistant shingles in areas prone to high winds or hail (most areas)
- Seal around windows and doors to prevent water intrusion. Storm shutters are used around the globe and impact-resistant glass can help too.
- Ensure garage doors are properly sealed and reinforced, especially if they are a vulnerable entry point. Upgrade garage doors that have specialized sealing systems and durable materials to withstand water intrusion. Options that utilize the pressure of floodwater to create a seal, or AquaLOCK® doors that have robust sealing mechanisms, are designed to minimize leakage even under significant water pressure.

3. Drainage Solutions:
- Install French drains to redirect surface water away from the foundation.
- Address any low spots in the yard where water accumulates and consider regrading the area to allow for gravitational drainage.

4. Backup Generator: A backup generator is essential in areas prone to storms providing power to essential systems like sump pumps and heating/cooling.

5.  Prepare an emergency kit with essential supplies like flashlights, batteries, and a first-aid kit.

6.  Review your homeowner's insurance policy to ensure adequate coverage for storm damage. Remember many regular policies don't include flood damage coverage.

7. Secure all loose outdoor furniture, garbage cans, and other items that could be blown around by strong winds and travel with flooding.

8. Trim branches that overhang the house to prevent them from falling and causing damage during a storm. Heavy rain can make limbs heavy.

9. Consider installing flood vents in garages or crawl spaces.

10. What is your evacuation plan in the event of a flood, fire, earthquake, etc?

Being over prepared and protected can appear paranoid and extreme:  I say you can never be TOO prepared!