Whether you live on a floodplain or in an area of the country that’s vulnerable to flooding from strong storms, fortifying your home against water damage is essential. Flood coverage does not come standard with most insurance plans, so consider adding it to your policy in addition to taking the following home protection steps.

A Guide to Protecting Your Home From Water Damage & Flooding

1. Apply Waterproof Sealants

Fill cracks or gaps in your foundation with waterproof sealants or masonry caulk. You can also add sealants to basement walls, doors, and windows.

Depending on the severity of flooding in your region, you may want to go beyond basic waterproofing with foundation vents. These devices prevent pressure buildup that pushes water through cracks in your foundation by allowing water to flow freely through certain areas like crawlspaces.

2. Install a Sump Pump

If your basement frequently floods during heavy rainstorms, add a battery-operated sump pump to mitigate any damage. This device activates when it senses water and directs it away from your home by pumping it out through a drain. Having a separate battery power ensures the device’s activation during power outages to prevent rising floodwaters in your basement.

3. Keep Electrical & HVAC Systems Above Flood Level

Have an electrician reinstall your circuit breakers, sockets, switches, and wiring, so they’re at least 1 foot above your region’s projected flood level. Your HVAC system components, as well as your water heater, should also sit above the flood line. In addition to protecting these household devices from damage, reinstalling them will keep your family safe from live wires that can cause electrocution if they’re sitting in standing water.

4. Grade the Soil Around Your Property

Design your landscape to keep floodwaters out of your house. Grade the soil around your home, so it slopes downward, and add plants, shrubs, and flowers with strong root systems that help resist erosion. Add rain barrels to your landscape as well to minimize flood damage and subsequently reduce high insurance claims.

5. Check Gutters & Drains Often

Keep your gutters free of leaves and other debris that can clog the system and impede proper drainage. Clean your gutters twice a year, and if you have many trees surrounding your property, consider more frequent cleanings.

Regularly trim any branches that hang over your roof to avoid excessive debris in the gutter system and shingle damage due to strong storms. Check other drains connected to your property, such as the one your sump pump uses, to prevent water from backing up into your home.

Discuss your flood insurance needs with the trusted team at Siemers Insurance Agency in Cincinnati, OH. These agents have served the Tri-State area for 60 years. They offer a wide range of top tier personal and commercial insurance options for residents and businesses throughout Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Florida, and North and South Carolina. For more information, call (513) 469-8877 or visit them online.