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8 WET FLOOD PROOFING C If dry flood proofing is impossible or too costly, another option is wet flood proofing, which allows the structure to flood inside, while ensuring that there is minimal damage to the building and contents. Interior flooding allows water forces on the inside of the building walls to counteract the hydrostatic forces on the outside, thus reducing the chance of structural damage. When the structure is designed for wet flood proofing, vulnerable items, such as utilities, appliances, and furnaces, should be relocated or waterproofed with plastic bags and sheeting. Utilities and appliances may be moved permanently or temporarily to a place in the building higher than a selected flood level- either to existing space. such as the attic, or to a small addition that would serve as a utility room. Wet flood proofing the contents of commercial buildings may require special considerations because of their unique nature. If there is no space for relocating utilities, appliances. and other contents, they may be protected in place. In the case of very shallow flooding. a mini-floodwall built around these items would provide protection. For deeper waters, they could be elevated on a platform or suspended overhead from floor or ceiling joists. The property owner must have sufficient warning time to employ wet flood proofing methods by tempo- rarily moving items. If the building is subject to flash floods, this method may not work. In addition, the property owner must be aware that flooding an area containing a source of electricity or hazardous materials can be dangerous. Also, clean-up will be required after each flood. The owner of a wet flood proofed building may choose to flood the basement with a clean, potable water source (such as with a garden hose from a faucet) before floodwaters reach the building. This would reduce the amount of contaminated floodwaters entering the building and minimize health concerns, clean-up time. and costs. 13