Take Care of Your Property and Prevent Flooding | SERVPRO® of Cape Girardeau & Scott Counties

9/9/2022 (Permalink)

Experienced water damage in your home? Call SERVPRO of Cape Girardeau & Scott Counties to get the restoration process started right away

Anyone who owns property needs to prepare for flooding. Just an inch of water in your house can do an enormous amount of damage that in the end could cost you a lot of money.

For those who live in an area that isn’t considered high risk for floods, you may not be eligible for assistance through insurance or federal programs, which means the more risks you can mediate, the better.

Fortunately, there are plenty of things you can do both inside and out to protect your property. Being close to the Missouri River means that our risk of flooding is fairly high.

We also have heavy storms to contend with that can leave yards and roads flooded. It is crucial to not only understand our regional risks, but to also know your individual concerns in order to start putting preparation into action.

<h3your-home-from-the-outside">Protecting Your Home From the Outside

Even a completely unexpected rain can leave yards and gutters overflowing. Take the time to get your home ready from the outside in so you can lower the risk of costly damages.

Clear out your gutters regularly so that water can flow quickly away from your house. An extended downspout can help keep water moving well and can be an inexpensive way to protect your house.

Landscaping is another great way to protect your home.

Gardens absorb water fast by pulling it down through soil and into roots. Mulch or other organic materials added to the base of your home in a slight slope can also ensure that water does not enter your home. Both of these can help you avoid puddles and protect the foundation of your home.

You might also consider investing in some upgrades that will help you avoid damages from weather events. Anchoring fuel tanks if you use them and having your electrical outlets raised are both effective ways of avoiding disaster when waters begin to rise.

While these additions can cost a lot out of pocket, a simple rain barrel that collects rainwater directly off of your house is an inexpensive way of keeping water out. It also means you have a free source of water for all those plants you added, too!

<h3protection-from-the-inside">Flood Protection From the Inside

The single best form of protection for your home from external flooding is a strong foundation and completely sealed basement.

A sump pump in the basement can also add a layer of protection from water. In areas that are at a high risk for extreme weather, it may be wise to invest in a battery-powered pump that will stay on even if the power is out.

For flooding that does not come from outside, protection is as easy as basic home maintenance.

Your pipes are one of the top causes of flooding in the home. Keep an eye on your plumbing, especially if it is aged or worn. Stop leaky faucets quickly, and add checking your pipes to your regular cleaning schedule to catch problems before they cause damages.

A leak sensor may also be a great choice in mitigating damages. This device will let you know when water is flowing somewhere it isn’t supposed to. Some home security systems offer this as an upgrade, so if you are thinking about adding one, take the leap and add the upgrade. It will offer you a lot of peace of mind.

No matter where the water starts, floods will damage paper goods and photographs immediately. Keep documents and other irreplaceable items stored on a high shelf or waterproof container. Make sure your emergency contacts are also stored somewhere safe, and add SERVPRO to your list. We are available ²⁴⁄₇ to start cleaning up after a flood fast.

Experienced water damage in your home? Call SERVPRO today to get your restoration completed faster.