Flood Prevention Basics for the Season | SERVPRO of Conway & Faulkner Counties
4/1/2024 (Permalink)
When you want to get something done right but struggle to figure out the best way to start, what do you do? Go back to the basics, of course! Taking things back to the beginning can make it easier to understand and accomplish no matter what you are doing.
This is especially true when it comes to preparing for severe weather and flooding issues. By starting small with what you know, you can have a serious impact on protecting your home when a flood emergency is issued for our community.
We offer up some reliable flood prevention tips below so you can prepare your home and family for whatever comes our way this season.
Flooding doesn’t have to involve the weather. Flooding conditions can appear due to a manmade issue like a burst water line or a faulty appliance, which can both cause serious damage in a short amount of time.
Of course, Mother Nature can wreak havoc as well. Thankfully, our risk for weather-related flooding issues is rather low in the Conway area. However, it is not impossible! That is why being prepared at any time can help keep your home and family safe.
Depending on where you live in our two counties, your home could be at a higher flood risk, so your property might require a bit more preparation.
If your property has any low-lying areas or backs up to any sort of water source, it is important that you address any drainage issues right away. Add longer downspouts to your gutters or invest in a rain garden to encourage water to flow down and away from your home.
Properties with heavy tree coverage should also make sure to have gutter covers installed. While having a gutter system is crucial, yard debris can easily fall into the gutters and create stubborn clogs or blockages. Simple covers can help encourage the water to keep flowing through the system seamlessly.
Understanding your flood risk is important, but taking permanent step to reduce your risk can have a significant impact on how dry your property stays during a rainstorm or other flooding event.
If you know that your property is at risk of suffering from a flood or you have dealt with a wet basement before, consider having your yard professionally graded. If your yard slopes away from your home, any rain that we get will flow away from your foundation instead of down into it. You should also add some absorbing landscape materials, like mulch, around your foundation to soak up any excess water.
Inside your home, take the time to check your windows and doors regularly for signs of wear and tear. Sagging frames and door jambs should be addressed right away and any deteriorating seals should be replaced quickly. Finally, if you have a sump pump, have it inspected professionally every year so that your home will stay dry no matter what!
When you prioritize the basics of weather safety, you can help safeguard your home against the strongest elements. However, we are always here to help if your home becomes overwhelmed and you experience any sort of water damage.
Do you have water damage in your home? Contact us at SERVPRO® for fast recovery.