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SERVPROSERVPRO of Newtown / Yardley / New Hope
Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration™
(215) 579-4423

How to Prepare Your Home for Spring Flooding

5/31/2024 (Permalink)

Spring in Southeastern Pennsylvania is a beautiful time of year, with blooming flowers and warming temperatures. However, it also brings the risk of spring flooding due to heavy rains. 

Flooding can cause significant damage to your home, but by taking preventive measures, you can minimize the risk and protect your property. At SERVPRO of Newtown/Yardley/New Hope, we're committed to helping you stay safe and prepared. Here’s how you can prepare your home for spring flooding.

 Preventive Measures to Minimize Flood Damage

  1. Inspect and Maintain Your Gutters and Downspouts

   - Clear Debris: Remove leaves, twigs, and other debris from gutters to ensure proper water flow.

   - Check for Leaks: Repair any leaks or damaged sections to prevent water from spilling over and pooling near your home’s foundation.

   - Extend Downspouts: Ensure downspouts direct water at least 10 feet away from your home to prevent foundation saturation.

  1. Landscape with Flooding in Mind

   - Grade Your Yard: Ensure the ground slopes away from your home’s foundation to direct water away.

   - Install a Rain Garden: Use native plants to absorb excess water in low-lying areas of your yard.

   - Mulch Wisely: Use heavy mulch to prevent soil erosion but avoid blocking drainage paths.

  1. Seal Your Home’s Foundation and Basement

   - Apply Sealants: Use waterproof sealants on your foundation walls and basement floors to prevent water seepage.

   - Install a Sump Pump: Ensure your sump pump is functioning correctly and consider installing a battery backup in case of power outages.

  1. Check Your Roof and Windows

   - Inspect Your Roof: Look for missing or damaged shingles and repair them to prevent leaks.

   - Seal Windows and Doors: Check for and repair any gaps or cracks around windows and doors to keep water out.

  1. Install Flood Sensors and Backup Power

   - Flood Sensors: Install flood sensors in your basement and other flood-prone areas to get early warnings of water intrusion.

   - Backup Power: Consider a generator to keep your sump pump and other critical systems running during power outages.

 Flood Preparedness Checklist

  1. Emergency Kit

   - Essentials: Stock up on bottled water, non-perishable food, medications, and first-aid supplies.

   - Tools and Supplies: Have a flashlight, batteries, a multi-tool, and a portable phone charger.

  1. Important Documents

   - Waterproof Storage: Keep important documents like insurance policies, birth certificates, and passports in a waterproof container.

   - Digital Copies: Store digital copies of essential documents in a secure, cloud-based service.

  1. Evacuation Plan

   - Plan Routes: Know multiple evacuation routes in case primary paths are flooded.

   - Family Communication: Establish a communication plan with family members to stay in touch during an emergency.

  1. Protect Electrical Systems

   - Elevate Appliances: Raise electrical appliances and systems, such as your furnace and water heater, above potential flood levels.

   - Turn Off Utilities: Know how to safely turn off your gas, electricity, and water in case of flooding.

  1. Secure Outdoor Items

   - Remove or Anchor: Bring outdoor furniture, grills, and other items indoors or secure them to prevent them from being washed away or causing damage.

  1. Review Insurance Coverage

   - Flood Insurance: Ensure you have adequate flood insurance and understand what is covered. Regular homeowner’s insurance typically does not cover flood damage.

By taking these preventive measures and following our flood preparedness checklist, you can significantly reduce the risk of flood damage to your home. However, if the worst happens and you experience flooding, SERVPRO of Newtown/Yardley/New Hope is here to help. Our team of professionals is trained and equipped to handle water damage restoration quickly and efficiently, ensuring your home is returned to its pre-flood condition as soon as possible.

Stay safe this spring, and don’t hesitate to reach out to us for any of your restoration needs. Together, we can weather any storm.

SERVPRO of Newtown/Yardley/New Hope – Faster to Any Size Disaster

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