At the forefront of the conversation was a resident named Jeff who, along with a colleague, has become adept at waterproofing houses to combat flooding. He shared various practical solutions, including a battery-operated gun for applying sealant and a specialized dryer vent cover designed to prevent water entry. Emphasizing preparation and the assessment of potential water entry points around homes, Jeff also highlighted the significance of being prepared for higher water levels than previously experienced.

Building on the topic of home maintenance, the importance of preparing for electrical safety during floods was discussed. Attendees shared experiences of electrical failures, some leading to fires, and stressed the need for proper sealing of outdoor electrical connections. Methods for testing, marking outdoor receptacles, and strategies to protect pool pumps from water damage were also debated.

The conversation then shifted to storm preparation tactics, particularly for securing pool pumps and reinforcing doors against water intrusion. An individual championed the use of vinyl board and polycarbonate panels to create watertight barriers for doors and sliders. The individual also advocated for the early organization of storm supplies and the proper storage of sealant peel. This sparked a debate among board members regarding the practicality and timing of such preparations.

DIY storm-proofing methods were presented, including the use of neoprene and metal scraps as makeshift barriers. While sandbags were acknowledged as a classic defense, their limited effectiveness without additional support was noted. The Public Works director of Madeira Beach provided guidance on the correct use of sandbags and the city’s distribution policies. Commercial products like the Rapid Aqua Shield, Garrison flood barriers, Floodgate, and Dam Easy were also discussed, with some having been proven effective in past storm events.

A presentation from representatives of Rapid Aqua Shield featured their sealing barriers designed to prevent water damage. They shared success stories and emphasized the need to maintain garage door seals during storms. Additionally, the meeting addressed power outages with a speaker recounting their use of a 1,000-watt inverter to power a home during a three-week-long outage and the utility of a 2,000-watt inverter for running essential equipment.

The impact of a recent storm on the community was a pressing topic, particularly the flooding of homes and the need for demolition. A device called a Backwater valve was introduced as a preventative measure against sewage backup during floods. The speaker detailed the device’s installation and functionality.

Further discussions covered additional waterproofing measures for homes, with the speaker urging community members to take steps even without technical knowledge. They listed various products and creative solutions for protecting against water damage and encouraged attendees to utilize available resources and expertise.