Blog

How To Prepare For A Flood In Your Home

As a homeowner, we don’t always think about potential disasters that may occur. Canada sees a lot of overland flooding, in which water flows overland and seeps into buildings through windows and doors. There are many homeowners who are worried that they don’t have the best insurance for overland flooding and may be left to pay for the repairs or replace valuables. Being prepared for flooding can save property, lives, and money. The following measures can help to reduce potentially costly damage and help prepare you for a flood:

Obtain A Community Flood Map

Be aware of how likely flooding is to happen in your area. Visit The Canadian Disaster Database to find the flood map for your community. Having an idea of the likelihood or how often flooding may occur will help you prepare your home for any potential incidents.

Improve Home Drainage

Regular cleaning of your gutters and drainage system is necessary to keep them working properly. When gutters are not cleaned properly, standing water can accumulate near your foundation and can cause leaks inside your house. Cleaning your gutters at least once, if not twice, a year will prevent this problem, depending on how much debris accumulates in various parts of your property. Install gutter covers if it is within your budget to help keep your gutters from being cleaned less frequently. Also, ensure all basement/household flood drains are not blocked or covered.

Check The Seals Around Windows And Doors

To help prevent leaks and potentially less damage in a flood, ensure that all of the sealants around your lower windows, walls and doors are intact and solid. Make sure any cracks in your foundation are filled with caulking. For additional protection in winter, install flood shields or barriers around your basement windows and doors; especially once the snow starts to melt. 

Invest In A Generator

In the event of a power outage, backup generators ensure critical systems like a sump pump, refrigerator, and stove continue to function. When you install a generator in your home, a phone can be charged, a radio can run, and the TV can be turned on. If you want to receive alerts and updates during a power outage, this is essential.

Secure Appliances In Your Basement 

If you have important appliances or valuables in your basement, it is in your best interest to raise them off the floor or secure them down so they have less chance of being damaged or do not tip over during flooding: your furnace, washer, dryer, etc. 

Create A Flood Kit

Having a well-prepared emergency kit can keep a family safe and independent for at least 72 hours. It is important to check emergency kits annually and replace expired items at that time. A typical emergency kit will include: Water, Food, Hand-crank flashlight, radio and cell phone charger (a 3-in-one device), Batteries, Thermal blankets, First Aid kit etc.

Keeping these tips in mind should help you keep your home and your family safe in the instance of a flood or leak. If you have any more questions or inquiries about what to do for a flood or leak within your home or building please give us a call today!