How to be Protected from Spring Flooding
With summer weather approaching and warmer temperatures expected in the forecast, the resulting melting snow and torrential downpours are all contributing factors to spring flooding. It’s important to remain conscious about the spring floods that are right around the corner and are quickly approaching.
While spring brings the promise of warm weather and beautiful, longer summer days, it also brings a variety of conditions that can include heavy rains, severe weather, and rapid snowmelt that can increase your flood risk. The main causes of spring flooding include spring thaw, spring rain, as well as flash flooding.
Having your home or business flood would be an unnecessary financial and emotional burden. However, there are various things that you can do to protect yourself. Below are some helpful tips to help prevent and prepare for spring flooding in your homes or businesses.
Be Aware
Knowledge is your friend. The more you are aware of a potential downpours and flooding, the better. Preparedness in mind, it’s important to shop for the essentials that you’d require in the event of a flood, such as sandbags and emergency flood kits – including personal ID’s, emergency contacts, insurance policies, documents, clothing and any other necessities.
Protect sentimental items
Make sure to protect your sentimental valuables that can not be replaced. It can be useful to secure these items in waterproof bags or containers. Any furniture and artwork should be stored upstairs. Additionally, it is a good idea to create a list of all of your personal belongings – this can be useful when filing an insurance claim in the event of a flood.
Get your electricals above ground level
It’s important to ensure that any electrical switches, sockets, circuit breakers, and wiring should be raised approximately one foot above flood level. Additionally, any air conditioners, furnaces and generators should be raised as well, if possible. Wrapping these units in waterproof tarps can be helpful for additional protection.
Monitor the basement
Typically, basements get hit the hardest when it comes to flooding. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the risk of flooding. To begin with, ensure that the ground slopes away from your building’s foundation. This will help rain drain away from the foundation of your building, preventing additional moisture problems in your basement. Ensure that your plumbing and drainage systems are functioning properly and are in good condition.
Watch for sewage
Unfortunately, with flooding, comes sewage – and no one wants that floating around in their home. Installing a backwater valve on your main sewer line can prevent water from entering the basement. Sump pumps can further help you by pushing out water gathered by weeping tile systems to an area outside of your building.
Clear eavestroughs and gutters
Maintaining your eavestroughs and gutters to ensure they are not clogged with leaves and debris is extremely important. If they are clogged, they can cause damage to the foundation of your building. When clearing your gutters, use a garden hose to wash out any debris and see if the water drains properly away from your home.
It is important to note that not all policies offer flood coverage. We suggest that you review your policy to see if you have coverage for Overland Water or Flood. If you do not currently carry the coverage, contact one of our experienced brokers to inquire on the cost to add this coverage.