Many Americans have no flood insurance. FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) estimates that only 4% of properties are insured across the country through the National Flood Insurance Program. In high-risk areas for flooding, just one in three properties have insurance.
With climate change bringing more flooding and extreme weather, besides household factors like burst pipes, this should be an urgent issue. Even without insurance, homeowners must protect their families, homes, and belongings by taking some actions to get water out. Visit this link for more professional advice and services on water damage restoration.
Avoiding Home Flooding
1. Keep Gutters Clean and Point Your Downspouts Away From Your Home
Many homeowners can manage cleaning their gutters without hiring contractors. As a rule of thumb, clean your gutters twice a year – one in fall and one in spring. But if your house is close to many trees, you might need to clean more often in the fall. In the rainy season, watch out for overflowing or clogs in your gutters.
Practice ladder safety first when cleaning. Place it on level ground and properly lock it in place. Wear comfortable non-slip shoes. It’s always safe to hook an empty bucket to the ladder’s top to collect the debris you will remove. Wear gloves and consider taking along a small garden tool like a hand rake to scrape any wet sludge from the bottom of the gutter.
In addition, make sure to point your downspouts away from your house in a proper direction. Otherwise, water can pool at your house’s corners and eventually create leaks in the basement.
2. Fix Leaks Immediately
A small water leak in the house may be stressful, but for a good reason. It means that you have to find the source. If not, it can lead to a bigger problem, including flooding and water damage. Common leaks usually occur in the toilet, pipes under the sink, water lines to appliances, pipes in walls, and roof.
3. Cover Window Wells
Sometimes even newer windows can trap rain and groundwater in the basement. Investing a little in good quality window well covers prevents a more expensive flood damage restoration. Choose covers made of clear acrylic, so plenty of light still enters your basement.
4. Fill in the Cracks
It’s normal to have small cracks in your house’s foundation, especially if it’s an old building. But leaving them unrepaired lets water in, resulting in flooding and weakening the structure of your home. If you see a tiny crack, use concrete patching paste to fill it in.
5. Install Check Valves on Your Pipes
A burst pipe is one of the major causes of household floods. Ensure that all pipes entering your house are with valves to prevent a flooded sewage system from backing up into your home. Consider using gate valves instead of flap valves because they provide a better seal against flood pressure.
6. Leave Space Between Mulch and Siding
Did you know that mulch surrounding the foundation of your house can cause unexpected issues without proper care? During the rainy season, wet mulch can rot your house’s siding, which can result in leaks. Make sure to keep space between your mulch and siding so that the base of your home can totally dry after rainstorms.
What You Should Do If It’s Too Late to Prevent Flooding
In case of flooding brought by extreme weather:
- Ensure your family’s safety first.
- Save important documents, like passports, legal documents, photographs, appliances, and other valuables.
- If you don’t have flood insurance, review your auto policy. While your homeowners insurance won’t cover flood damage, your car insurance may pay for the damage if the flood wrecked your vehicle.
You may also get help from nonprofit organizations, such as the Red cross. Try checking with your local government and your state or the national government for assistance, including free meals, temporary shelter, and any other help you need. To repair and restore your property, contact a reliable, professional water damage restoration company, like www.puroclean.com.
You may apply for a low-interest loan for the expenses. Ensure to select certified contractors and be aware of hidden charges. The last thing you don’t want now is to pay an additional cost you are not aware of in the first place.
