Being Prepared for Possible Water Damage

9/20/2016 (Permalink)

Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters.  Conditions that cause floods include heavy or steady rain for several hours or days that saturates the ground.  This is especially true when the ground is still frozen or too dry.  Flash floods can occur in the country or city, where runoff from buildings, parking lots and streets can overwhelm municipal storm water sewers. Fortunately, you can help prevent the water damage that floods can cause your home.  Here are several flood control fixes you can make to help manage storm water runoff and prevent flood damage to your home:

1. Slope soil away from your home's foundation.               


2. Clean out gutters and downspouts in the fall and spring.  You can also use downspout extensions to carry water farther away from your foundation.           


3. Plug holes or cracks in you gutters, downspouts and downspout extensions.                                                


4. Set up a downspout to empty into a rain barrel.            


5. Look for holes or cracks in your foundation and completely fill them.                                                  


6. If your home is prone to flooding, having a sump pump installed is the most convenient flood control.      


7. Review with all family members how to shut off utilities in an emergency.                                                        

You will be better prepared to withstand a flood, or any disaster, if you have an emergency plan in place.  Plan and practice an evacuation route and have an emergency kit packed and ready to go.