Flooding has become a major problem nationwide. Already a leading cause of property damage, water events are now affecting areas outside of the traditional high-risk zones and seasons. For instance, in low risk areas, the combination of heavy rainfall and poor drainage can catch a homeowner off-guard. In fact, according to FEMA, over 40% of its flood claims are from those outside of high-risk flood zones.
That being said, there are some steps homeowners can take to be ready for a possible flooding scenario. According to William Gordon, regional business coach for 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, homeowners can take a number of proactive steps to help ensure their homes, families, and belongings stay safe during a flood.
A watchful eye is a prepared eye
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For one, Gordon says to keep up on the weather, and to check with your local emergency services office about sandbagging, if applicable. Homeowners should also make sure gutters are clear and that water grades away from their house.
“It’s very common for homes with a negative grade to take on water, especially when gutters are clogged and rain water running off the roof accumulates on the ground next to the house,” says Gordon. “Simple maintenance, along with ensuring landscaping directly next to the house is higher than it is a few feet away, can keep flooding at bay.”
Gordon also recommends homeowners take pictures and narrated videos of their home’s inventory to document possessions pre-loss. This makes it easier to calculate losses should a disaster happen. Homeowners should also store valuable items in plastic totes, and scan important documents so digitized versions are easily accessible.
And lastly, if you have the budget, Gordon says that elevating your home might be an option.
“After Superstorm Sandy, some homeowners opted to lift their homes a few feet off the ground to avoid future flooding and to save as much as 90% on their insurance premiums,” Gordon says. “The lifting itself was terribly expensive, and added expenses were incurred when front steps or ramps were added to the house, as well as repairs needed to the siding after lifting. Depending on the size of the house, some homeowners were looking at spending as much as $200,000 for the project. That being said,” Gordon also mentioned, “there are often community or federal grants available to help offset these costs.”
What to do when a storm is expected
If a storm is imminent, Gordon notes that homeowners should consider putting together a “go bag” with essentials like medications, snacks, pet food, drinking water, and even precious or valuable items — just in case they need to leave in a hurry. Should a flood occur, it’s important for the homeowner to get photos of damage as soon as possible, before the floodwater drains, to confirm the water level.
“If a restoration company is called in immediately, they may do a three-dimensional photographic survey that can be used to create a 360-degree tour through a house,” Gordon says. “But any pictures taken before restorers get there will help confirm damages.”
For more insights from the 1-800 Water Damage team of experts, click here.
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