Flood Damage Prevention Basics | SERVPRO of Spring Valley/Jamul
4/1/2024 (Permalink)
Starting with the basics is always the best way to get something done easily and correctly. Think back to when you were first learning math. With each new principle introduced, you always had to start with the basics.
Starting with the basics is a great way to protect your home from potential natural disasters as well. We can’t stop what Mother Nature plans to bring our way, but we can prepare for it in order to lower the likelihood of a major catastrophe.
Flooding is one of the most common ways homes are damaged, which means getting to know the basics of flood prevention is crucial for keeping our families safe.
Flooding can come from a pretty wide variety of sources, and not all of them are generated by nature. Manmade disasters like appliance leaks can be rather destructive, but they are often easier to control and recover from.
Weather-related mishaps are a different story! Being so close to the coast, our community is vulnerable to storm surges, coastal flooding and flash flooding from heavy rains.
One of the best first steps you can take to protect your home is getting to know where you lie in the area’s flood zones. This is the best way to understand your specific risks in order to take the most action to prepare.
Take note of how your yard and our community responds to heavy rains as well. If you are in a low-lying area, you may need additional drainage in order to prevent ponding that could seep into your house.
If you are in an area with a lot of trees, make sure your gutters stay clear of blockages in order to prevent potential damage to your roof. Gutter covers might be a good upgrade to keep water moving away. The more you can understand your area, the drier you can keep things.
Getting to know your area is a great way to get started in protecting your home for potential flooding, but there are also a few other ways you can get prepared.
The more you can help water flow away from your house, the better, which is why yard maintenance is crucial. Make sure you have a gentle slope that will encourage rain to flow away, and watch for spots that stay wet. These spots might be a good place to put a rain garden that will help pull water away from the surface quickly. If your gutters are not already underground, this is an easy upgrade that can go a long way in keeping things dry.
Inside, update your seals on your windows and doors seasonally. Check your basement for signs of cracks or gaps that could allow water in, and add a sump pump. These will pull water out of your home before it can take over.
Start with the basics and keep your home protected when water pushes inland or rain gets heavy. With some simple maintenance, you can stay prepared for anything—and it will be much easier than learning math.
Do you have water damage in your home? Contact us at SERVPRO® for fast recovery.