CONCORD, N.H. -- With flooding caused by Tropical Storm Irene still fresh in your mind, now is a good time to begin making your home less likely to be damaged if it is threatened by a future flood.

Here is a simple checklist of suggestions:

• Install flood vents in the foundation to allow water to flow through to reduce pressure against the foundation;
• If your basement tends to flood, limit its use to storage, not living space;
• Install check valves in sewer traps to prevent flood water from backing up into your home;
• Elevate your furnace, hot water heater, electrical panel, even your outside air conditioner;
• Strap down all fuel tanks;
• Seal openings into the foundation, such as bulkheads, windows and exhaust vents to keep rainwater out;
• When you repair or remodel, use drywall and insulation that is mold resistant; and
• Consider elevating your home above a potential flood level.

Go to www.fema.gov/mitigation for more information.

There also are easy, inexpensive things to do:

• Make a family emergency plan – include pets in your plan;
• Build a family emergency supply kit;
• Store important papers safely; and
• Make a written inventory of major possessions and valuables. Supplement it with photos or videos, also safely stored.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from and mitigate all hazards.