Floods can cause immense damage to homes and businesses. It can be devastating to property and poses risks to people, pets, and various household items.
Oftentimes, flooding happens due to natural disasters. Among the most common causes of flooding are:
- Heavy rains
- Long rains
- Rapid melting of snow and ice
- Hurricanes
- Severe storms
It’s worth noting that natural disasters are not the only cause of a flood. Flooding can be also caused by different types of plumbing issues such as:
- Blocked drains
- Broken pipes
- Clogged sewer lines
Unfortunately, it’s impossible to avoid natural disasters and other problems. However, you can minimize flood damage to property significantly.
All that you need to do is to prepare your home for flood season properly. It’s crucial for you to know what needs to be done before a flood strikes, during a flood, and after a flood.
Follow these guidelines in order to minimize flood damage to your property:
Purchase Insurance
Electrical components such as sockets, switches, wiring as well as electrical panels have to be properly placed in your rooms.
Make sure that the distance between electrical components and predicted flood levels is at least 12 inches. Raise electrical equipment off the floor if such a need arises.
Build A Waterproof Basement
Do you live in the region where the risk of Michigan where flooding is high? If so, it makes sense to waterproof your basement.
Basement waterproofing is an expensive option. On the other hand, water damage during a flood is minimized significantly if your house has a waterproof basement.
Prepare Your Electrical Components for a Flood
Such electrical components as sockets, switches, wiring as well as electrical panels have to be placed correctly in your rooms.
Make sure that the distance between electrical components and predicted flood levels is at least 12 inches. Raise electrical equipment off the floor if such a need arises.
Install a Backwater Valve
It’s worth noting that a backwater valve plays a very important role during a flood. It prevents water from entering your home during a rainstorm.
A backwater valve closes when water begins to back up. As a result, sewage and dirty water will not re-enter your house.
A backwater valve significantly reduces the risk of basement floods. With a backwater valve, the amount of water damage during a flood is minimized.
Move Valuables to a Safe Place
It’s a good idea to move outdoor furniture indoors before a flood happens. Furniture and other valuables have to be carried to a safe place.
During a flood, you can move the most valuable household items to the attic.
It’s highly recommended to store the most important documents in a waterproof safety box.
Prepare Flood Emergency Kit
You’ll have a better chance of surviving a flood if you have an emergency kit on hand. Your flood emergency kit has to include the following:
- Medications
- Mobile phones
- Flashlights
- Batteries
- Sanitizers
- Nonperishable food
- Water
Sometimes a flood happens quickly and people can’t evacuate in time. If you are trapped in the house, then you’ll need to take advantage of an emergency kit.
That’s why your flood emergency kit has to be prepared in advance. Make sure that you’ll be able to survive at least 3 days with an emergency kit.
Develop an Escape Plan
A flood can happen anytime. So, you must be prepared to safely evacuate your family if such a need arises.
Create a plan of protecting your family members and pets during a flood in advice. Decide what route you’ll use in order to evacuate during a storm.
Watch the Latest Weather Forecast
You’ll get alerts if a flood is going to happen in your area in the nearest future. Flood warnings should be always taken very seriously.
Let’s assume that you’ve received a flood warning. Try to benefit from the flood alert update to get ready for an emergency.
Keep in mind that you still have some time before an emergency happens. Take all the necessary measures to prepare for a flood as soon as possible.
Have the authorities ordered you to evacuate? It goes without saying that such orders shouldn’t be ignored.
When evacuating, you should always stick to your escape plan and take a flood emergency kit with you.
Shut Off Utilities
If you see a flood emergency about to begin, it’s time to turn off water, electricity and gas.
Find a Water Damage Restoration Company
You’ll need to restore your house quickly and make the necessary repairs after flooding to minimize water damage. Leave this task to real experts! Use professional water restoration service!
Has your house recently suffered from flooding? Contact us today! At Rapid Restoration, we are always prepared to help you with any of your water restoration needs!