Floods can be a catastrophic event and wreak havoc on homes and businesses.
Floods can be a catastrophic event and wreak havoc on homes and businesses. If you live in an area prone to flooding, it’s important to know what you can do to minimize flood damage to your property, as well as what to do in the event of flooding. Being prepared with these tips from NRDC.org: can make all the difference in the face of a disaster.
Anyone with a federally backed mortgage who lives in a flood zone is required by law to carry flood insurance. People in high-risk areas often assume that government-issued disaster assistance will cover the cost of damage from a flood, but don’t count on it. Emergency funds are seldom enough, and standard insurance policies don’t cover water damage caused by extreme weather. You should be prepared by having enough flood insurance to cover the contents of your home or apartment.
Porous outdoor surfaces help water seep into the ground instead of streaming toward your home. Both mulch and grass absorb water. Planting grass around your home and placing mulch around external foliage provides an additional flood safeguard. Digging depressions to channel stormwater runoff away from your house, converting concrete or asphalt driveways to gravel or brick, and using absorbent mulch can also help manage heavy rain and reduce potential flood damage.
Have a professional elevate the furnace and hot water tank so that it’s not sitting on the basement floor at risk of water damage in the event of a flood.
A sewage water backstop is an efficient flood safety device that prevents backwater from flowing into your basement. A sump pump is another beneficial machine that can drain water out of your home. If you do find yourself in the unfortunate predicament of flooding and damage to your home, here’s what you should do:
Since you should notify your insurer soon as possible after the flood, it’s a good idea to keep your insurance company and local agent’s phone number in your always-ready emergency bag.
Remove water (after receiving the OK from your insurer) using a sump pump, wet vac, and/or good old fashioned buckets. Open up doors and windows to get air flowing. Mold growth can be controlled on surfaces by cleaning with a non-ammonia detergent or pine oil cleaner and disinfecting with a 10% bleach solution.
A plumber can help you determine if any serious damage was done or if there are any secondary problems related to the flood. A residential plumber will look for drain clogs and broken or cracked pipes. They will also let you know if any plumbing fixtures require repair or replacing. If you’re in need of a plumber, either for flood prevention or for assistance in the aftermath, call JTM Plumbing. Our professional team of plumbers is experienced, dedicated, knowledgeable, and friendly. Contact us today by calling 402-203-6193 or by emailing jtmplumbing@cox.net.
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