Easy Flood Prevention Solutions

Unfortunately, our New Year’s celebrations are coming to a sudden halt as streets and homes across the bay are experiencing flooding. Here are a few steps you can take before, during, and after to keep your family and your house safe during the flooding. 

Clean your gutters and remove any leaves and debris blocking water flow. Heavy amounts of water buildup in your drains are one of the leading causes of basement flooding. Overflow of water into the soil can oversaturate it, causing the ground to expand and damage the foundation walls. The expansion presses against the wall causing movement, which ultimately cracks the foundation.

During the flood, move any electronics to the upper floors of your house and stay out of flood waters. Electronic appliances are at risk of being damaged or destroyed, avoid cleaning up or interacting with them if they have come into contact with water. While walking or trying to move during a flood, avoid any water above six inches. It only takes half a foot of moving water to sweep someone off their feet during a flood. 

When the flooding does begin to slow and stop, take immediate action to mitigate as much water damage as possible. If you are evacuated from your house, wait for the all-clear to begin checking on your house. Moving water and street hazards may still be present. If you cannot move electronics from any affected areas, call an electrician before re-entering your home to check for damage. 

If you have been evacuated, it is of the utmost importance to take your time going back to your house. Water damage can be more severe than what you may be able to see. Danger may still be present even if your neighborhood was given the go-ahead to re-enter homes. 

We wish you all the best of luck during the flood, stay safe and be prepared for the worst. Even if you are in a higher part of town, flooding can reach anywhere, and it is crucial to be ready for anything.