Protect your home, yourself and your bank account from flooding

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Floods are one of the most common natural disasters in the United States. In 2016, the U.S.experienced record-breaking numbers for floods since data began being collected in 1980. Even low flood areas are prone to water damage given the right conditions. It’s important to be prepared in the event it happens to your home.
Even non-emergency conditions can lead to severe water damage if your home is neglected from needed repairs or if an appliance, water pipe or another component of your home suddenly breaks. If this happens, it's probably going to be a big expense.

The bad news is you can’t always prevent the unexpected, but the good news is, by taking some proactive action, you can do to reduce or eliminate water damage.

Keep your home in good condition

If you find leaks, holes or cracks anywhere in your home, be sure to repair them without delay. This includes siding, roof, foundations and pipes. If the damage is ignored or maintenance isn’t up-to-date this can create conditions for water damage under ordinary conditions or a weakened home in the event of a bad storm. Inspect your home regularly for any problems. This includes appliances. In addition to physical damages, you want to eliminate any potential for mold from leaky pipes or other water flows. The investment you make in maintenance will pay off in the long run.

Maintain gutters

Be sure to clean your gutters or install barriers over your gutters to prevent the gunk from building up, backing up and causing water seepage.

Install a sump pump

In places that are prone to water accumulation (i.e. if you live at the bottom of a mountain or there is not good municipal drainage), installing a sump pump is a valuable investment.

Be knowledgeable about your home

In the event of a flood or other water accumulation, it’s important to know where everything is so you can protect yourself, your home and your belongings. For instance, know where your water shutoff is (both locally and for the whole house) in case you need to quickly stop water flow. Also, know where your power shutoff is additional hazards in the home are not present if water seeps in.

Plan for possible emergency conditions

Not unlike any other disaster or emergency, it’s important everyone in the home knows what to do in the event of a flood. Plan a place to meet and/or have a common person to contact who can help coordinate and communicate. Be sure to safeguard insurance policy information, have some money handy, keep medications easily accessible and pack a bag with essential toiletries that can be grabbed quickly in the event of an evacuation.

Document your belongings

Have documentation of any valuables and any photos of your possessions kept in a separate place (or scanned and stored online). If water damage has already been done, be sure to take another set of photos to show the damage before you move anything.

Flood marker in Virginia

Consider flood insurance

Even if you’ve taken extensive preventative measures to protect your home against a flood, it might not be enough. In that case, you’ll want to be sure you can replace your belongings or make any needed repairs. Many people assume they are covered in the event a flood affects their home, but most regular homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flooding. You have to buy a separate flood insurance policy.

Keep in mind, there is often a waiting period. According to Floodsmart.gov, there is typically a 30-day waiting period from the time you purchase your flood insurance until it goes into effect. In other words, if a storm is imminent, even if you quickly buy flood insurance to protect yourself, it is likely late.

Be proactive, consider the possibilities of flood before it happens. Your wallet will thank you for it.