Preparing For A Flood

There comes a time when you need to be prepared for a flood. It can happen at home or even at your business. Sometimes it comes without warning, but there are things you can do to prepare yourself before it happens.

These are preparations when you experience waterflood at home:

1. Check your home’s ground level and around the foundation for signs of flooding.
2. Check on sump pumps, especially during heavy rainstorms, to make sure it’s working properly
3. Move any items damaged by water (such as tools or gasoline cans) to a higher location.
4. Set aside essential documents you would need to replace if floodwaters destroy your home
5. Place boards or plastic sheeting around the bottom of your house’s foundation.
6. Check on neighbors who might need assistance with flood preparations, especially seniors.
7. Ask family members what to do during a flood, and practice how to shut off utilities in case of flooding.
8. Make sure there is an escape route for you and your family, just in case your home floods.

Floods at home happen from issues like:

1. Leaky Pipes

Ensure you check your main water shut-off valve and all valves in your home every month to ensure they are working correctly. Write down when you do it and make sure someone knows where they are located. If there is a pipe leak, you may want to turn off the shutoff in case there is a lot of water.

2. Flooded Basements

A sump pump connected to a backup generator is an excellent idea during a power outage that may cause flooding in your basement. You can also use sandbags if you do not have a backup generator and the power goes out during heavy rains. Make sure your sump pump is working correctly, and if you have a backup generator, make sure it is charged up.

3. Backed-Up Sewer

In a sewer backup, it is crucial to get rid of the water as soon as possible. To do this, you should have a wet or dry vacuum on hand in case there is a flood caused by backed-up sewer or other natural disasters that cause flooding. You can use a wet/dry vacuum to remove any water, mud, and debris from your home.

4. Rising Water

If your area is prone to flooding, you should be especially conscious of rising water levels. You could try using sandbags if it happens during a heavy rainstorm or fast melting snow event. If the water starts coming into your home through the doors or windows, you should immediately move to the uppermost level of your home. Be sure that someone has shut off the power in case there is water damage.

Final Thoughts

When you experience a flood at home, there can be a lot of damage. Hopefully, your things will not be damaged, but if they are, it is crucial to know how to handle the situation and make sure you have emergency supplies. It is also essential to work with a flood restoration company if extensive water damage in your home.