Protect Your Property From Floods With These Tips | SERVPRO® of Northwest Bergen
9/8/2022 (Permalink)
It doesn’t matter where you live—protecting your property from flooding is a key part of owning a home. It takes only an inch of water to begin serious destruction, so even low-risk regions must take action to prepare.
You can prepare the inside and outside of your home in many ways, but the best way to start is by learning about our regional risks. In New Jersey, we see flooding fairly regularly, given our low altitude and proximity to the coast. Nor’easters frequently rip through, leaving our streets soaked and our properties flooded.
After you know about the disasters we might see, you can begin to prepare for them the right way.
Weather is often unpredictable, meaning that heavy rainfall can fall out of the sky at random, leaving you wading through the water trying to save your yard. However, you can take time to prepare your home’s exterior to mitigate the risks.
Clean your gutters regularly and consider using landscaping techniques that direct water away from the structure of your home. You can also create one or more rain gardens around your property that will absorb excess water, keeping it away from your house.
Use these tips before the next storm arrives to ensure that the rush of floodwater won’t consume your home.
It’s equally as important to protect the inside of your home, and this starts with stopping any external sources of water. Inspect your foundation or basement and seal any creeks that may exist. If you frequently suffer flooding on your lowest level, consider adding a sump pump for added protection.
It’s important to note that flooding can begin from within your home, too, but with routine maintenance, you can lower the chance of this disaster affecting you. Check your plumbing and faucets for signs of damage or leaks, and address any issues immediately so that the damage can not compound.
Floodwater is disastrous regardless of where it comes from. Items like photographs, clothes and documents will suffer immediate damage upon contact with water, so keep anything truly integral inside a waterproof container.
To be most prepared, practice an emergency plan with your family and remember to follow it during the next storm so everyone can stay safe from the potential flood.
Experienced water damage in your home? Call SERVPRO today to get your restoration completed