Spring is here, and that means the potential for flood is quickly rising. With heavier rainfall, melting snow, thawing ice, and a still-frozen ground that won’t soak up water, flood risk can increase for homeowners during springtime. In this article, we’re giving you seven tips to prepare your home against potential flooding so you can feel confident heading into the spring season.<

Our top flood protection tip for homeowners

The best advice we can give to our customers regarding flood is that homeowners insurance does not cover flooding. If your home is at risk of flooding, you will want to consider a flood insurance policy in addition to your home insurance policy.

Not sure of your risk or whether a flood insurance policy is right for you? Our agents are specially trained in flood. Give us a call at (844) 824-2887 today to compare quotes and learn more about this valuable insurance coverage.

A “flood,” as covered by flood insurance, generally means an inundation, caused by an overflow or rapid accumulation of water or mudflow, of land that is normally dry, affecting two or more acres of land or two or more properties. Although internal water damage like burst pipes or a leaky roof can cause water damage in your home, this type of water damage is typically not covered your flood insurance. In this article, we’re looking particularly at how to reduce flood risk, but check out this article with 16 ways to minimize water damage in your home.

1. Know your flood risk.

If you live in a high flood zone, you likely already know that you need to take certain precautions to protect your house from flooding. Even if you live in a “low” flood zone, though, that does not mean flood isn’t possible. No one is immune to floods. Even desert homes can deal with floods.

It’s important to get a good idea of the local flood risks beyond just the “zone” you’re in by researching, talking to neighbors, and working with an insurance agent to learn more about the financial protection available for your home. Don’t take your “zone” at face value—some research can help you both understand your risk and learn more about what you can do to prevent flooding at your home.

2. Elevate electrical components.

If water gets into your electrical sockets, switches, or wiring, it can cause serious damage to your house’s entire electrical system – not to mention it poses a serious safety hazard. Work with an electrician who can help you make sure that all of your electrical components are elevated above predicted flood levels. You should elevate electrical components throughout the house but especially in the basement.

Bonus: Also, if you have a fuel tank in your basement, consider anchoring it to minimize risk of damage or oil spills.

3. Move other valuables.

Similarly, don’t keep your valuables beneath that flood level line either. Important documents and electronics should be moved to the highest level of the home and kept off the floor to prevent any water damage. Better yet, put birth certificates, insurance policies, and other key documents in a waterproof and fire-proof safety box.

4. Install a sump pump.

Sump pumps can help remove excess water around your home’s foundation and keep that water out of your basement. This can help prevent slow water seepage and damage as well as minimize the damage caused by major flooding. You should consider periodic inspections of your sump pump to make sure it is clean and in working order. You can also test it frequently to make sure it’s doing its job. Spring is the perfect time to run a test to make sure it’s working for the upcoming warm months!

Along with a sump pump, you may want a battery or backup power source in case the power goes out during a storm.

5. Check the drainage around your house.

While we’re on the topic of keeping water away from your foundation, let’s talk about drainage. If there is a flood, you want to ensure that water can drain away from your house unobstructed. You’ll want to remove any debris around the home and in the gutters and downspouts to ensure water can freely drain away from the home. (Backed-up gutters can also cause water-related damage, so it’s especially important to keep them free and clear.)

If you ever notice water pooling on your property, you may need to take additional measures for proper drainage. You may need downspout extensions, or a foundation drain tile, or you may need to have your yard cleared or re-graded.

6. Install water alarms.

Water alarms and flood sensors can send out an alert whenever they detect unwanted water in the home. This can help you catch floods quickly before they do too much damage, particularly if you aren’t at that home frequently, like for a second house or vacation home.

7. Purchase flood insurance in advance.

Your standard homeowners policy likely does not cover flood, so you’ll need to purchase flood insurance separately to make sure your home and belongings are covered in the case of a flood. It’s important to note that most flood insurance has a 30-day waiting period. That means you can’t just purchase flood insurance when you hear that a big storm is headed your way. The sooner you purchase flood insurance, the better off you’ll be if and when the water hits.

Don’t wait to purchase flood insurance. You can start comparing quotes right now with InsuraMatch’s easy online tool. In just a minute, you can get a flood insurance quote online or call us at (844) 824-2887 to compare quotes with one of our expert agents.

Learn more about flood insurance and compare quotes with one of our expert insurance advisors today at (844) 824-2887today.

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