Your generator should be elevated based on these key references:

• Base Flood Elevation (BFE): The elevation floodwaters are expected to reach during a 100-year flood
• Design Flood Elevation (DFE): BFE plus a safety factor (freeboard) required by local codes
• Historical high water marks in your specific location
• Local floodplain ordinances which may specify minimum heights
• Future flood projections accounting for climate change

As a general rule, your generator should be installed at least 1-2 feet above the highest of these reference points, creating a crucial margin of safety for unexpected flood levels.

Several proven methods exist for elevating generators in flood zones:

• Raised concrete pads: Solid concrete foundations elevated above flood levels
• Engineered platforms: Steel or reinforced structures designed for specific flood loads
• Composite pedestals: Specialized flood-resistant platforms with integrated conduit channels
• Wall-mounted brackets: For smaller units where wall structure permits
• Rooftop placement: For buildings with appropriate structural capacity
• Natural elevation advantage: Utilizing existing high points on the property

Each approach has specific advantages and limitations based on generator size, property layout, and flood characteristics.

Elevated generator platforms must be designed to address multiple challenges:

• Buoyancy resistance: Anchoring systems to prevent floating during floods
• Hydrodynamic forces: Ability to withstand flowing water pressure
• Debris impact protection: Reinforcement against floating objects
• Vibration isolation: Dampening systems to prevent structure fatigue
• Maintenance accessibility: Safe access for servicing when needed
• Weight bearing capacity: Support for generator plus fuel systems
• Erosion prevention: Scour protection around foundation elements

Floodwaters rarely rise statically; they flow with considerable force:

• Position generators perpendicular to potential flood flow direction, minimizing water resistance
• Avoid placement in natural drainage channels or water pathways
• Consider protective walls or barriers upstream of the generator
• Place on the downstream side of structures when possible
• In coastal areas, account for wave action and storm surge directions

Proper orientation can dramatically reduce hydrodynamic forces on your generator platform during flooding events.

Floating debris is a major cause of generator damage during floods:

• Avoid placement downstream from structures likely to break apart
• Consider natural barriers like strategic landscaping
• Install bollards or concrete barriers to deflect large debris
• Position away from trees that may drop limbs during storms
• Use reinforced generator enclosures in high-debris areas

Even properly elevated generators can be severely damaged by large debris impacts during flooding.

Floodwaters can undermine foundations through erosion:

• Avoid placement on fill soil without proper compaction
• Incorporate scour protection around foundation supports
• Use erosion control measures like riprap or vegetation
• Consider deep foundations for areas with significant erosion potential
• Implement French drains and proper water management around the generator

Soil analysis should be conducted before finalizing generator placement in areas with unknown soil stability.

Critical connections to your generator must be flood-resistant:

• Route electrical conduits from above flood levels when possible
• Use waterproof conduit and connections rated for submersion
• Elevate fuel lines and connections above flood levels
• Install check valves and automatic shutoffs for fuel systems
• Position control panels and transfer switches above flood elevation
• Consider quick-disconnect systems for rapid pre-flood preparation

Even properly elevated generators often fail due to submerged connections and utility feeds.

Physical barriers can protect generators even in flood-prone locations:

• Permanent flood walls surrounding the generator
• Deployable flood barriers for pre-storm protection
• Custom-fitted generator shields with waterproof seals
• Submersible-rated generator enclosures
• Integrated pumping systems to remove water intrusion

These solutions are particularly valuable for properties where sufficient elevation isn't possible due to space or aesthetic constraints.

For areas with advance flood warnings, rapid disconnection capabilities offer protection:

• Quick-connect electrical couplings for fast disconnection
• Rapid-disconnect fuel line systems
• Modular mounting systems allowing generator relocation
• Pre-wired secondary connection points at higher elevations
• Portable generator receptacles at elevated locations
• Weather-sealed connection enclosures for recommissioning

These systems allow homeowners to protect generators by disconnecting critical components before floodwaters rise, then quickly reconnect after the threat passes.

Locating generators away from the main structure on higher ground:

• Natural elevation advantages on the property
• Long-run electrical connections to elevated locations
• Secondary structures specifically designed for generator housing
• Shared generator locations for multiple properties
• Ridge or hillside placement with appropriate weather protection

While involving higher initial costs for electrical runs, remote placement can dramatically reduce flood risks in properties with significant elevation differences.

Specialized equipment designed to withstand temporary submersion:

• Marine-grade generator components
• Sealed submersible transfer switches
• Waterproof control systems with IP68 ratings
• Specially designed exhaust and intake systems
• Hermetically-sealed connection points

While significantly more expensive than standard equipment, these specialized systems can operate in flood-prone areas where other options aren't feasible.