Thought I'd post a picture of a house damaged by Sandy. As you can see the block foundation was no match for the water pressure which built up outside.
Failure is an intolerant teacher.
I forget who said to the effect of: "we learn from our mistakes, we profit by learning from other's"
With the awning and walkout sidewalk area there, you'd figure a door was in the side wall. Who woulda thought the wall would've busted before the door gave in?
I should save this picture to show all the people I see here in Florida who cement over their flood vents and "finish" their lower enclosures.
This is what can happen when people are too eager to pump out their basements following the floodwater receding. It recedes on the surface much faster than it recedes in the ground. It looks like this house can maybe be saved. Many can't when the foundation caves in from excessive hydrostatic pressure in the surrounding ground.
by the way...
The main floor is just above the BFE 9', well for now, come June the BFE will be 11'