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Assessing Your Home’s Flood Risk | SERVPRO® of Conway & Faulkner Counties
10/1/2022 (Permalink)
Experienced water damage in your home? Call SERVPRO of Conway & Faulkner Counties to get the restoration process started right away
Flooding problems can be a large issue for many homeowners. If you consistently seem to find water in your home after a storm, seeing inclement weather in the forecast can make you feel nervous.
If you do experience some sort of water damage, it may not be covered under your insurance and you may not make the list to receive federal assistance. Armed with that information, it is even more important to prepare your home on your own as best as you can.
Our counties have some minimal flood risk zones and some zone A areas. Floods can happen due to the rising river levels from the Arkansas River or from any severe weather that comes our way, so it is important to be prepared for heavy rains and unexpected flash flooding.
Taking the time to prepare and clear your gutters is a great way to help reduce your risk of having water back up on your roof and leak down your walls. Also make sure you angle your downspouts as far away from your home as you can.
Consider adding mulch around your home to absorb excess moisture, or plant a garden in an area that could help encourage water to flow down to it instead of toward your home. Any landscaping you can do to help prevent water from flowing backward into your foundation will be helpful.
Your fuel and propane tanks should be anchored to the ground to make sure they are protected in the event of a flood. It can also be a good idea to turn off power to any floor or ground outlets before any incoming weather.
If your foundation is not waterproof, a single crack can cause a lot of water issues for you. If you notice any sort of cracking or breaking along your foundation line, call a professional to repair the crack right away.
Your basement may also benefit from installing a sump pump! A sump pump works by pumping water away from your home as it flows toward it.
Flooding problems can also stem from an appliance or a rusted-out pipe. If you notice any weathering on a pipe in your utility room or start to notice water spots on your floor after running a load in your dishwasher, it is best to investigate the cause right away.
Once your home is safeguarded using these tips, it is time to address the contents of your home. A flood can ruin photographs, important documents and anything else made of paper. It is best to store these types of things on a high shelf or in a waterproof safe.
Make sure to include a copy of your emergency plan up high as well so you are never caught without it!
What if you do experience damage? Taking quick action any time you encounter flooding will help reduce your risk of long-term or irreversible damages and mold growth.
Experienced water damage in your home? Call SERVPRO of Conway & Faulkner Counties today to get your restoration completed faster.