Fit flood vents in the crawlspace walls of an invited home in East Palo Alto's flood zone

Homes in the Gardens and along the creek side of East Palo Alto sit in a mapped flood zone where rising water can push in walls or float foundations when crawlspaces trap it. Code-rated flood vents let water flow through instead of pushing — a bolt-in retrofit that lowers both damage risk and, often, flood insurance costs for families who can least absorb either. Standard: FEMA Technical Bulletin 1 flood-opening (vent) requirements; SDG 13 (Climate Action). Proof: Installed-vent photos with measured placement Method (FEMA Technical Bulletin 1 flood-opening (vent) requirements; SDG 13 (Climate Action).): 1. Confirm with the occupant the crawlspace layout and measure required vent area per FEMA guidance (1 sq inch per sq ft of enclosed area). 2. Mark vent locations low on opposing walls within 12 inches of grade. 3. Cut openings in the crawlspace wall skirt or block-out panels and fit the rated flood vents per manufacturer instructions. 4. Seal edges, confirm flaps swing free, and clear soil or mulch below each vent. 5. Photograph each installed vent inside and out with a tape measure showing height above grade. Done when: Installed-vent photos with measured placement

Where

Invited homes in the Gardens neighborhood near Larkspur Drive, East Palo Alto, CA 94303

Pay

$440 proposed

This packet is not funded yet, so this figure is a proposed price and not money waiting in escrow. If a buyer funds it, approved proof settles that price onchain. If nobody funds it, approved proof earns provable credit toward the work instead of cash. You see which before you claim, never after.

Proof

Installed-vent photos with measured placement

This is exactly what gets it approved. Nothing settles without it.

Level

intermediate

Open until

2026-09-03

How this work is done

A documented method, so this packet comes out the same whoever does it. Typically 45–90 minutes. Method of record: FEMA floodplain + green-infrastructure siting screen

Bring

• GPS phone
• tape/ruler for deposition depth
• metals field kit (if sediment screen in scope)
• boots + gloves
• camera

Steps

1. 1. Confirm post-event conditions are safe; navigate to the site; record GPS.
2. 2. Photograph deposited sediment / affected area.
3. 3. Measure deposition depth at representative points.
4. 4. If a sediment contaminant screen is in scope, run the metals field kit and record values.
5. 5. Note debris, hazards, and the extent (sketch).
6. 6. Enter depth, any analytes, hazard notes, GPS, photos into the proof record; sign.

If it does not match the plan

• Unstable ground / submerged debris / contaminated water -> document from safe footing; do not enter.
• Elevated metals in deposited sediment -> flag before any reuse; recommend lab confirm.

What counts as done

• Deposition depth recorded at representative points
• Metals screen recorded (if in scope)
• Debris/hazard note + extent sketch
• GPS waypoint + timestamped photos

Proof is measured against these, not judged by taste.