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The Basics of Preparing for Flooding | SERVPRO of Westfield
4/1/2024 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Westfield is ready to help in a moments notice after spring showers leak in to your home or business.
Going back to the basics is the best way to get something done, especially if you want it done well. This is something you understand well if you have children in school and have ever helped them with math homework. If they don’t know the basics, it can be incredibly frustrating .
Going back to the basics of disaster prevention is the best way to protect your home well from potential natural disasters, too. We don’t have a lot of say in how Mother Nature acts, but when we are prepared for anything she sends us, our damage will be less.
Flooding is one of the most common kinds of natural disasters, which means it is one that we all should be ready to handle.
Flooding is so common because it can happen in so many different ways. Not all flooding originates from nature, but those internal floods are generally easier to get under control and clean up from.
Flooding emanating from the outdoors can be more challenging. When it comes to flooding from Mother Nature, we are no strangers to flash floods, river flooding and rising waters from the many creeks around the area. Houston is notorious for flooding in Texas, which means as their neighbor, it is crucial we are all prepared.
Start preparing yourself by checking where your property is in the area of flood zones. This will help improve your understanding of your specific risks in order to be the most prepared.
Get to know your yard as well. If after a heavy rain things are wet and soggy or you are in a lower area, additional drainage can help prevent water from piling up and seeping into your house.
If you have a lot of trees near your home or in your community, keep a close eye on your gutters. Adding covers could be a good way to prevent blockages and keep water off your roof. Checking your roof periodically is another way to keep rain moving, which is particularly important in our notoriously windy spring seasons.
The more you can get to know your area and how it reacts when rain or floods occur, the more you can do to stay safe—which is why this is such an important first step to take. There are other things you can do to ensure your home is ready for anything too. Some basic home maintenance can go a long way in making sure you are ready for any kind of flooding that comes your way.
Start with yard work. Make sure there is a gentle slope in your yard that will encourage rain to flow quickly away. If there is a place in your yard that likes to hold water, consider adding a garden or other organic material. This can help pull water underground.
Extending your gutter downspouts is another great way to prevent ponding. Take them underground for an extra layer of protection, especially when bodies of water start to rise.
Inside your house, take care of your windows and doors. Each fall and spring, check their seals and update caulking that has worn out. If you have a basement, make sure there are no visible cracks or gaps in the foundation. Check the corners on a sunny day to ensure you can’t see any light seeping through. Have it professionally sealed when you do spot problems. A sump pump is another great upgrade that will help prevent flooding.
Going back to the basics will always be the easiest and most effective way to be prepared for the possibility of flooding. Add flood safety steps to your regular routines so you can stress a little less the next time a heavy rain moves in. It will be much easier than helping your kids with math.
Do you have water damage in your home? Contact us at SERVPRO® for fast recovery.