The unthinkable has happened – record rainfall, a burst pipe, melting snow – and now your home is soggy and ruined. Even just a few inches of water damage can cost thousands of dollars and take months to repair.
The best way to keep your home safe is to think about the unthinkable! You can prevent flooding from interrupting your life by taking a few simple steps toward protection before disaster strikes!
Here are the top three tips for preventing flood damage in your home!
Keep your House in Good Shape
The simplest measure you can take for flood protection is ensuring your house is in good repair. You should regularly clean out your gutters, drains, and ditches to keep them free of debris that could prevent drainage. If your yard has a lot of trees, you may need to do it more often!
Your roof is another weak point to inspect regularly, as well as plumbing and tanks. Leaks of all kinds can lead to major damage!
Next, look for cracks or openings in your home’s foundation. Inspect and seal your basement windows, too.
Know your Risk
It’s easy to find a flood risk map of your area, and knowing your risk can help you prepare! If you live in a high-risk area, you will need to take more preventative measures than others. For instance, you may consider installing permanent fixtures like a battery backup for your sump pump.
Knowing your risk can also help you put together a plan for emergencies, which can give you peace of mind! In case of a flood, remember to shut off electricity and secure heavy objects. Continue to personalize your flood plan according to your risk.
Add Protection
You can install water sensors and pumps to keep water damages at a minimum. There are also special barriers that you can install for extra floodproofing.
Homeowner’s insurance may not be enough to cover flood damages. Make sure to find a policy that protects against water damage or add extra insurance for flooding.
Finally, if your risk increases due to a projected storm or other risks, place sandbags in front of windows, doors, and other vulnerable spots as an extra layer of protection. It’s also a good idea to move valuables to higher places in your house.
Recovering from Flood Damage
Even if you do everything right, you still may face flooding damage. You need to start cleaning and repairs right away to prevent further damage.
In extreme situations, you should call a professional cleaning service right away. There are many services that specialize in flood damage repair. They can get to work right away and restore your home in no time!
If your insurance company adds to your stress, contact a flood damage attorney right away to ease the claims process!
Protect your Home Now
Protecting your house from flood damage could save you thousands of dollars. Restore your peace of mind and keep your home safe by following these tips today.