When the weather service warns that a flood is possible in your area, this is your chance to protect your house and reduce home water damage. Even if you cannot stop the water from entering, you can be prepared and reduce your need for home water damage restoration. If there is enough time to do so without endangering yourself, consider the tips below from home water damage cleaning services on what to do before the flood reaches your house.
Make Sure Your Sump Pump Is Functioning
Your sump pump is your first defense against water getting into your house and the home water damage it can cause. Before you need it, clean out the sump pit and then test the pump to ensure it is working.
Direct the discharge hose far enough away from the house to prevent the water from pooling around the foundation or flowing into the sewer. Having a spare pump on hand is always a good idea if you live in a high-risk area.
Cover and Plug Drains
Major flooding can overflow sewers. This can cause water to back up into your house and cause you to need home water damage restoration. Prevent or reduce backflow by plugging all basement floor drains with drain plugs or rubber balls, then bracing with 2 x 4s wedged between the plug and a structural ceiling beam.
Disconnect and cap other drains throughout the house, including sinks, showers, and other utility drain lines. Unbolt toilets to gain access to those drain lines and cap them as well.
Move Items to Higher Levels
Next, start to remove valuables or items that can be damaged from the lower levels of the house and move them to higher locations. Relocate electronics, furniture that can be moved, and any sentimental or personal items like photo albums. Remove important paperwork like tax and insurance files as well as household inventory records from your home.
Additionally, home water damage cleaning services suggest that you relocate any hazardous materials like paint, cleaning supplies, motor oil, etc, to prevent a toxic spill that could complicate cleanup efforts.
Prepare Appliances
Turn off and disconnect all appliances that could be affected and try to put them up on concrete blocks to keep the motors dry. If water is likely to rise higher, reduce home water damage to appliances by wrapping them in plastic film sheeting and securing with rope or cording to prevent silt from getting inside. This may improve the chance they can be later salvaged by home water damage cleaning services.
Cut the Power
To reduce the possibility of electrocution, unplug all electrical cords in the basement or lower level of the home and cut the power at the breaker box. Do this before the home starts to flood. If water begins to rise enough to potentially reach the breaker box, call the electric company to have the power to the house completely shut off.
Prepare Yourself
Above all, in your effort to prepare your house to prevent problems that will require home water damage restoration, be sure to prepare yourself, your family, and your pets. Have an escape plan in case flooding becomes too severe and pack emergency supplies that you can grab quickly and take with you. Never put lives in danger trying to protect property.
Flooding can cause substantial home water damage to your property and belongings. Fortunately, if you learn in advance that there is a local flood watch, there are things you can do in an attempt to reduce your need for home water damage restoration. Home water damage cleaning services find that in many cases, you may be able to protect your house and items by taking the right steps before the waters begin to rise!