Spring brings blooming flowers, but it can also lead to heavy rains that increase flooding risks. Here’s how to prepare your home and respond if flooding occurs.
Preventing Flooding: Practical Tips
- Inspect Gutters & Downspouts: Keep gutters clean to prevent overflow and direct downspouts at least six feet away from your foundation.
- Maintain Your Yard: Grade your yard to ensure water drains away from your home.
- Install a French Drain: This system channels water away from your foundation, reducing basement flooding risk.
- Seal Your Basement: Check for cracks and seal them with waterproof sealant.
- Use Flood Barriers: Invest in barriers or sandbags to protect doorways and low areas during storms.
- Check Your Sump Pump: Ensure it’s working and consider a battery backup for outages.
- Know Your Flood Zone: If you live in a flood zone, consider flood insurance and local emergency plans.
What to Do if Flooding Occurs
- Ensure Safety First: Evacuate if needed and turn off utilities if safe.
- Document Damage: Take photos for insurance claims.
- Remove Water Promptly: Use pumps or vacuums to clear standing water quickly.
- Dry & Dehumidify: Open windows and use fans to prevent mold growth.
- Clean & Disinfect: Clean surfaces and disinfect areas exposed to floodwater.
- Contact Branch Services: For severe flooding, hire experts for cleanup, remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.