Paul Dreher Director of Personal Insurance View Bio

9 Simple Flood Prevention Tips To Control Flooding Due to Surface Water

The primary reason your basement and home can flood during a rain or snow storm is due to poor or blocked drainage. Fall leaves are known to prevent water from draining!

To help you keep water from seeping into places it’s not wanted, Lawley offers the following precautionary flood prevention measures you can take to protect your home and its belongings from flooding due to surface water.

Simple Flood Prevention Tips

  • Since leaves are the biggest contributor to clogged gutters, clean the gutters and the drainage downspouts attached to your roof at least twice a year
  • Make sure that the ground area within 10 feet of your home slopes away from your home’s foundation
  • Extend downspouts at least 10 feet from your home
  • Direct water flow from downspouts away from your home, being careful not to discharge the water too close to adjacent property
  • Have your roof carefully inspected at least once a year by a capable person to check the roof thoroughly for missing shingles, degraded roof components, separation of the roof from chimneys and exhaust pipes, and other roof problems
  • If your house or commercial lot is at risk of flooding from a higher neighboring property, consider building a solid wall masonry fence on the water-vulnerable boundaries of your property
  • Preventative landscaping can also help reduce the chance of a mudslide or flooding
  • Be vigilant for warning signs of an impending water flood problem. This includes water stains and mold growth on ceilings and walls, the underside of attic roof sheathing, and mold water pooling, water dripping, water leaks, or mold growth anywhere inside your home or business
  • Plan ahead. If flooding occurs, be familiar with how to shut off electricity, gas and water at main switches and valves. Knowing how to do this ahead of time will help you to react quickly and minimize potential damages

Call us today at 716.849.8618 or connect with our personal insurance team to ensure your homeowners insurance policy protects you against flooding due to surface water and the others ways we can help you to protect your home and its contents.

This is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional advice.

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