Flooding in a home can be a devastating situation for any homeowner. Unless you move to an area that doesn’t see a lot of rain, it’s nearly impossible to prevent flood and water damage in a home. However, there are steps that you can take to prepare for this event and minimize potential damages. Follow this short guide on how you can prepare your home for a flood to prepare for an aquatic emergency.
Install a Sump Pump
One of the best things you can do for your home, especially in areas prone to flooding, is installing a sump pump. This is something that you will want to do to prepare for a flood well in advance of the actual event. Sump pumps help remove standing water that starts in your basement or crawl space. Some sump pumps or septic systems also have an alarm system that will notify you when water starts to accumulate.
Minimize Danger
There are other steps that you can take to minimize the danger and potential damage of floods.
- Raise Electrical: This is another installation that you will have to account for in advance of a flood. You can have a professional raise your electrical outlets and access above common flood level. This can help reduce damage to your home’s electrical system and helps cost you less in repairs in the long run.
- Shut Off Amenities: You’ll want to do this step just before a flood warning. Turn off your electrical, gas, and water lines to avoid creating hazardous electrocution conditions and ruptured pipes. You’ll also want to unplug any appliances and move what you can.
- Place Sandbags: Sandbags can’t prevent all water from reaching your basement or main floors, but they can slow down the flow and give you more time in an emergency situation.
Protect Your Belongings
If you can catch a flood early, take the time to move your furniture, appliances, and other valuable items to upper floors if possible. Do the same with personal and sentimental items such as photos, important documents, memorabilia, and more. If you plan to evacuate your home, take the most precious items and documents with you if your vehicle or luggage has the space for it.
Have a Recovery Plan
If you live in an area that experiences flooding frequently, you will want to investigate flood insurance. Most standard homeowner’s insurance plans do not cover floods. Additionally, you should have a flooding and water damage restoration company prepared as well. Water damage can happen to a home anywhere, so make sure to research options in your area. Aloha Restoration Co. is here to help homeowners in the Chicagoland area who have experienced flooding or water damage.
The question of how you can prepare your home for a flood may seem hopeless at first, but all these tips are so important for homeowners to know. These practices can help minimize as much damage as possible and prevent further dangerous conditions. So, keep this list handy during the next rainy season.
