Preparing Your Home For a Flood

3/4/2024 (Permalink)

Have you ever stopped to think about what you would do if you knew your home was going to be in a flood? Or what you can do to help minimize damage? Stopping flood waters may not be an option, but there are steps you can take to help limit the amount of damage. Making sure you have flood insurance is a start, but you can do things within your home to minimize the amount of damage. Like:

• Getting electrical cords up off the ground higher than the expected water intrusion can help with avoiding fire and make the structure safer during the recovery process.
• Putting appliances and utilities up on blocks could help save them. Shutting power off to the structure is also another option if you aren’t sure what the expected level of water is going to be.
• Shutting off power, however, will also shut down any sump pumps you may have running. • Shutting off gas supply to the house is another way to avoid further issues such as fire, or gas leak and will also eliminate any pilot lights.
• Waterproofing your basement is another option. It can lessen the amount and speed water enters the home, possibly giving you and your family more time to respond.
• Putting gate valves in drains will help stop sewer water from backing up into the home. These should be installed on every pipe coming into the home.
• Having an emergency-ready kit with supplies for everyone in your house to survive on for a minimum of 3 days is recommended. Kit should include things like food, water, blankets, flashlights, medication, etc.
• Make sure you have paperwork for everyone in the family in case your home gets completely ruined and you must start over.

Having a plan in place for what needs to be done before a flood, can save time and get everyone out safely quickly and efficiently. Be sure to practice this plan so everyone knows their role.  If the flood waters are slowly rising and you have more time, household items can be moved to a higher level or another location.  Having a plan, of what to do in a flood situation, can save time and money. In the event you are to need restoration, SERVPRO of Minneapolis SE is always here to help.