Practical Steps to Prepare for Rain Flooding

7/13/2021 (Permalink)

Rain is unpredictable and if excessive, can cause flooding into a home or basement in just a few hours. The water can be difficult to remove and therefore stands a very high chance of causing mold. Be aware that most insurance companies will not cover flooding that results from an outside source unless your home is covered by flood insurance. If your home stands a high chance of flooding during the rainy season, you may want to consider purchasing flood insurance. Beyond this, there are several steps that you can take to guard your home against flooding.

1. Ensure that exterior drains are clear, free of any blockage & properly working. If the drains are clogged with leaves and debris, the rainwater will not be able to drain and could flood back into the house.
2. Check roof gutters and make sure that these are clean. Dirty gutters will not allow rainwater to run-off properly and the water will be forced to flow in other directions – including back into the house.
3. Move items away from flood-prone areas or elevate them, especially electrical appliances or outlets. If your basement or a lower area of your residence is prone to flooding, take precautions to remove important and moveable items out of the area. For items that cannot be removed, attempt to elevate them by at least a few inches using 2x4s or alternative methods. This will prevent your items from being damaged by the rainwater.

If you have water damage from flooding, call SERVPRO of Lynchburg/Bedford & Campbell Counties 434-525-9559.