We know that floods can happen anywhere. No one could have anticipated the vast residential and commercial damage done in the Colorado floods earlier this year. Therefore, homeowners all over the country would benefit by being prepared. You may be able to avoid serious flood damage by not only taking precautions before a flood but also by knowing what to do during one.

One thing homeowners can do to prepare for a flood is to clean their gutters. This is a very cost-effective way to help prevent flooding in your basement. Gutters can be a great benefit if they are functioning properly. If your gutters aren’t cleaned out they can cause erosion, basement flooding, and possibly damage to your foundation.

Taking Precautions

  1. Try to keep your machines elevated. Washers and dryers, water heaters, furnaces, etc. can be placed on concrete blocks.

  2. Consider installing a sump-pump.

  3. It might be a good idea to keep precious family mementos somewhere other than the basement in case of flooding.

  4. Consider installing a flood detection device. These devices sound an audible alarm when the sensors come into contact with water.

What To Do During a Flood

  1. Remember that entering a flooded basement can be dangerous. Please remember to turn off your main power at your breaker switches if you are safely able to do so.

  2. Your water supply may become contaminated so It can be a good idea to sanitize your bathtub and sinks and fill them with clean potable water.

  3. Move your personal items such as family photos to a dry, safe space away from flooding.

  4. Call a professional

Taking steps now to be prepared for floods can save you a large amount of water damage and loss. Keeping the above tips in mind will help you minimize loss before and during a flood.

(Photo By RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post)