Flood Preparation

Spring flooding is becoming an annual occasion in our part of the country. While forecasting the event is becoming more and more sophisticated, you never can truly know when the water will rise and how rapidly.

What we DO know is that it spring comes every year and with it, sometimes, comes floodwaters. While you can not control Mother Nature, you can take charge of your own household and make flood preparations a part of your late winter routine.

One of the first things you can do is to call your insurance agent and have a conversation about your current insurance coverage. Does it cover overland flooding? Does it cover sewer back up? What if you have a backwater valve installed, will that reduce your deductible?  Ask about your coverage in detail. The better informed you are, the fewer surprises you will have down the road.

Next, when was that last time you had a licensed plumber inspect your household plumbing? Are your drains clean, do you have a sump pump in your basement?  Many municipalities that have flooding issues have initiated sump pump programs and subsidies for homeowners. Does your municipality offer this? If they do, the requirement is almost always that a licensed plumber install the sump pump and sign off on it. If this is the case in your area, you NEED to call a plumber well in advance to book your appointment.

Back in your basement you can take steps immediately. Move any keepsakes to higher ground. Consider putting your washer and dryer up on blocks or a pallet to get them off the floor. Remember to disconnect their electrical, or turn off the breaker, if flooding becomes imminent.

For items that are in permanent storage in your basement, can you enclose them in Rubbermaid totes, or other similar storage containers. Or would it be better to rent an off-site storage locker?

Finally, prepare yourself for short notice evacuation should the situation become serious. Pack at least an overnight back of your clothes, medications etc. Also in that bag you should include copies of your insurance policy, or at the very least your Insurance Agents' emergency contact number.  Do you know where your pets might reside if you are forced to live at a hotel for a few days? What other things might you need?

Thinking through your evacuation plan and planning for flooding events will help you mitigate the damage and disruption to your household should a flood or other disaster occur.