Spring is here – and with it comes a higher risk of flooding across the United States. Unfortunately, this is a very familiar occurrence for many homeowners in southeastern Florida.
Flooding is common in the spring months, as the warm, humid weather quickly moves in, bringing with it plenty of rainfall and storms.
Keeping your property dry throughout this season is vital, as flood damage can quickly become widespread and very costly. This is why Florida homeowners must take precautions to prevent and minimize flood damage now!
Here are six spring flooding prevention tips from National Restoration Experts.
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Check if your insurance covers spring flooding
- This may surprise you, but most insurance companies don’t automatically cover flood damage. So, if you live in a high flood-risk area, it’s important that you check if spring flooding is covered by your insurance policy provider.
- Knowing this before a flood can help you be better prepared and avoid any nasty surprises later down the line.
- Moreover, if you’re thinking about getting flood insurance, you must get in there early because many insurance plans don’t take effect until 30 days after contracting them. So, don’t put it off. You don’t want to leave it until it’s too late.
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Have an emergency flood plan prepared
- If your area is particularly prone to flooding, ensure you have an emergency flood plan. If your home floods, you and your family must know what steps to take immediately and have a safe meeting point established.
- You also need to make sure that you have the contact information of a water damage restoration and flood cleanup company.
- If you have the fortune of knowing in advance about an imminent flood, consider the high-value items in your home. If you can, move furniture, books and documents upstairs. If not, place them in waterproof containers or raise them off the ground using styrofoam blocks. Don’t forget to unplug all electrical items as well.
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Keep your gutters and drains clean
- To prevent spring flooding, some cleaning and regular upkeep is always helpful.
- Homeowners in southeastern Florida should regularly clean their gutters and storm drains. Doing so before the start of spring is especially important because leaves, stones and debris can accumulate throughout winter and prevent water from properly draining away.
- It’s also important that your downspout pipes are crack-free so the water is carried away and doesn’t collect in pools near your home’s foundation.
- Oftentimes drainage problems aren’t spotted until heavy rain arrives. This is why regular maintenance and checks are required.
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Identify and patch up cracks and leaks
- Prevention is always better than cure. Repairing small issues before they become flood risks will always be much quicker and cheaper than the potential consequences of water damage.
- It’s therefore important to check for any visible damage to walls, floors and door frames before spring arrives. Watch out for cracks, especially hairline foundation cracks, and signs of water intrusion too. Fixing these relatively minor issues early on will help to prevent water from entering your building.
- In many cases, simple patching compounds can be extremely helpful.
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Keep your roof in good shape
- A leaking roof is one of the main sources of water damage caused by flooding.
- Warped flashing, because of seasonal variations, and loose shingles, frequently caused by high winds, can open up an attic to torrential rain.
- These relatively minor repairs can make sure your home is ready for Florida’s worst springtime weather.
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Install flood detection sensors
- Spring flooding often comes with little or no warning. Therefore, installing a flood detection sensor lets you know exactly when flooding occurs.
- This is especially useful when you’re absent, because fast action is vital to limit the damage and eventual cost of repair in active flooding situations.
Call National Restoration Experts, the water damage experts
Weather is increasingly unpredictable, but following our tips to avoid spring flooding could potentially save you thousands of dollars in the long run.
It’s always best to try to avoid costly water damage repairs costs and keep your family and belongings safe in the event of a flood. However, even the best precautions are sometimes no guarantee.
That’s why the water damage restoration experts at National Restoration Experts are available 24/7 to assist with flood cleanup emergencies in West Palm Beach, Wellington, Coconut Creek, Fort Lauderdale, Tamarac, Sunrise, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Pompano Beach, Plantation, Boca Raton, Coral Springs, Parkland, Margate, Lake Worth and Palm Beach.
Visit our website or call (754) 219-4660 for a consultation.
