Spend Less, Stay Safe: 6 Budget-Friendly Ways to Prep for Severe Storms

Spend Less, Stay Safe: 6 Budget-Friendly Ways to Prep for Severe Storms

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Severe storms don’t wait and preparing for them doesn't mean you need to spend thousands of dollars to keep your home safe. In this blog, we’ll share six easy ways to get ready for severe storms on a budget with a solid plan and the right tools. 

At Quick Dam, we provide affordable flood protection options to help stop flood water before it does real damage. Of course, not all flooding is the same and that impacts your plan to be protected and prepared, so let’s break it down. 

Why Does Flood Protection and Preparation Matter? 

Fact: Most Flood Damage Comes from Just a Few Inches of Water 

FEMA states, just one inch of floodwater can cause over $25,000 in damage to a home. Just think, carpets, drywall, insulation, electrical systems and more, it can add up fast. And beyond the cost of repairs, you also face lost time, ruined belongings, and major stress.  

According to the JEC, flooding costs the U.S. hundreds of billions each year. Many homeowners assume they are safe because they are not in a designated flood zone, but over 20% of flood insurance claims come from properties outside those areas. Even worse, flood insurance often has limited coverage and high deductibles. A small investment in prevention today can save you thousands in repair bills down the line. It can also spare you the stress of dealing with mold, ruined furniture, and lost keepsakes. 

Time to Prep like a Pro on a Budget

1. Know Your Risk
Start by understanding your home’s vulnerability: 

  • Are you in a flood-prone zone?
  • Do you have a basement or low-lying entry points?
  • What’s your history with past storms? 

You need to know where water is most likely to enter so you can deploy protection strategically and not everywhere. 

2. Know What Type of Flood Water You Are Up Against 

  • Storm Surge
    • What it is: Coastal flooding from seawater (salt water).  
    • Risk Zone: Coastal homes and businesses.
  • Flash Flooding and Heavy Rain
    • What it is: Sudden flooding from intense rain or prolonged rainfall.
    • Risk Zone: Anywhere with poor drainage, lots of concrete, sloped yards, and basements. 

3. Prioritize Protection Points 

Now that we know the potential risks and types of water you need protection from, we can focus on the most vulnerable spots: 

  • Garage doors
  • Basement windows
  • Sliding glass doors
  • Front/back doors
  • Driveways and walkways that slop toward your home
  • And any other spots you can identify where water may enter 

4. Identify Which Quick Dam Flood Protection Solutions to Keep on Hand 

A few smart buys can go a long way in protecting your home. Quick Dam’s compact, lightweight options are easy to store and won’t take up much space in your closet or garage until they’re needed. 

Top Picks: 

  • Quick Dam Flood Bags (Starting at $19.99): For flash flooding and heavy rain, place these in front of doors, windows, cracks, and more. They swell upon contact with water and divert it fast. For best performance, pre-activate them with a hose and stack higher than anticipated water amounts. 
  • Quick Dam Flood Barriers (Starting at $19.99):  Just like Flood Bags, Flood Barriers absorb, contain, and divert water from flash flooding or heavy rain. They also come in various lengths so you can line them up across doorways, driveways, garages, or sidewalks to redirect flowing water. 
  • Quick Dam Water Curb (Starting at $123.00): For storm surge and other types of saltwater protection, you can place the water curb anywhere you would place Quick Dam Flood Bags and Barriers. The water curb is reusable, durable, and just needs to be filled with water when needed. Drain and store for repeated usage.
  • Looking for the best bang for your buck? Quick Dam’s Flood Gate offers powerful protection for your entryways against all types of floodwaters. It’s available in multiple sizes and can be connected for wider coverage. While it sits at the higher end of the price range, its long-term reusability makes it a smart, cost-effective investment.

5. Put Your Flood Protection in Place 

Don’t wait until the last minute, set up your flood protection before the storm hits. For Quick Dam water-activated products, we recommend pre-soaking them to add weight and ensure a secure placement. This process takes about 10 minutes, depending on the size and quantity. 

 Our other solutions may take a little more time to set up, so make sure you leave yourself enough time to deploy everything before the weather takes a turn.  

6. Build a Quick and Simple Emergency Kit 

Pair your Quick Dams with other essentials: 

  • Flashlight and batteries
  • Phone chargers (solar or power bank)
  • Bottled water and nonperishable food
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Copies of important documents in waterproof bags
  • Medications 

All of these can be done for under $100, especially if you prepare! 

Don’t Wait Until the Storm Is Here 

The worst time to prep is after the forecast turns red, stores run out of stock, prices go up, and panic sets in. You have the power and now have budget-friendly ideas to prepare for any storms that may come your way. Even if a storm does pass you by, you can rest assured that along with your emergency supplies, Quick Dam’s water-activated products have a 10 plus year shelf life, while the saltwater solutions can be reusable for a lifetime with proper care.  

Want to learn more about Quick Dam flood protection solutions? Explore our full product selection or reach out to our team. We are here to help. 

Be Prepared. Be Protected with Quick Dam.