Preparing For Water Emergencies

The promise of spring’s arrival is a welcome reassurance after a dark winter. As early bulbs
erupt with color, buds appear on branches, and the days begin to lengthen, we know that even
warmer temperatures aren’t far behind.

But spring also brings various conditions like severe weather and heavy rains that can increase
the risk of flooding. Technically, a flood occurs when water covers land that normally remains
dry. Not only can flooding can create suddenly dangerous physical conditions, but it can also
cause extensive damage to homes and other structures that can be costly to repair.

The good news is that you can act now to increase your preparedness and reduce the risk of
unnecessary damage and expensive renovation costs. Here are 6 simple steps you can take to
keep your property as safe as possible in the event of localized flooding:

• Consider flood insurance. Even if your home is not located inside an official flood zone,
  talk with your insurance agent about the cost of insuring against a flood. Just a few inches
  of water in your home can cause thousands of dollars in damage.
• Elevate your utilities. In basements – or on main levels in homes without basements –
  elevate critical utilities such as electrical panels and sockets, wiring, appliances, propane
  tanks, and HVAC systems.
• Install a high-water alarm. These simple alarms can minimize water damage by acting
  as an early warning system. When the unit senses water, it triggers the control panel to
  sound an alarm in your home or via phone.
• Check your home’s foundation. If your basement is “damp,” consider an exterior
  foundation waterproofing system. A French drain system consists of drainage pipes that
  are installed around the footer of the foundation, carrying water away from this area.
• Install a sump pump. A pump is placed in a specially designed pit below the main
  surface of the basement. The floatation device on the pump is triggered when water
  reaches a certain level, and it is pumped outside your home through a pipe.
• Clean the gutters. Leaves and debris can accumulate in gutters and downspouts,
  obstructing the flow of water from your roof. By routinely checking your gutter system as
  part of routine fall maintenance, you can keep water flowing away from the foundation.

You’ll also want to keep your family as safe as possible, so here are 4 things you can do now –
before you find yourself in a water emergency situation where you must act immediately:

• Learn how to turn off the main power breaker and gas and water valves. Practice
  routinely so you’ll know how to do this in an emergency.
• Develop a family emergency preparedness plan. You’ll find detailed instructions plus
  printable forms to complete, here.
• Stock up on supplies such as battery-operated flashlights (and extra fresh batteries),
  canned food, drinking water, and medication. Store enough for three days.
• Remember to include family members who do not live with you in your planning. And
  include your pets, too – they are depending on you!

Even if flooding has not occurred in your area, it’s a good idea to routinely inspect your home
for unwanted water and moisture. If not addressed, moisture can lead to mold and potential
health problems.

Remember, just a small amount of water can cause considerable damage in your home or
commercial property. If you need help identifying damage or restoring your property, call
Restoration 1 of Western Wayne County today. We can assess the full extent of water damage, both unseen
and visible, and walk you through the process of restoring your property.