Flood Damage Preparedness: Steps to Take Before the Next Storm

In Chicagoland and the Upper Midwest, climate change is causing more frequent and intense storms, and preparing for potential flood damage has never been more critical. 

Whether you reside in a particularly flood-prone area or not, it’s still essential to take proactive steps to safeguard your family and possessions. At PuroClean of Evanston, we understand the importance of preparedness — and how to restore your home after a flooding disaster. 

Let’s explore some crucial steps to take before the next big storm hits, ensuring that you’re equipped to minimize the impact of flood damage on your home and loved ones. 

Know Your Risk Level

Before diving into specific preparedness measures, it’s imperative to understand the risks associated with flooding and how vulnerable your home might be. 

Even if you’re not located in an officially designated flood zone, that doesn’t mean you’re immune. Floods can result from heavy rainfall (which is becoming more common in Chicago), storm surges, or overflowing rivers and lakes.

Homeowners can utilize local and online resources to determine their flood risk and learn the base flood elevation (BFE) level. It’s also smart to get regular inspections of your home’s exterior, plumbing system, and major appliances. This could help you avoid malfunctions that could lead to damage from water intrusion.

If your address is at risk of flooding, purchasing a policy from the National Flood Insurance Program is highly recommended. Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage, chaos from sewer backups, or destruction due to a leaking swimming pool or hot tub. 

Take the time to review your existing policies and consult with your insurance provider to fill any gaps in coverage. Remember, it can take up to 30 days for a new policy to take effect, so don’t wait until the storm clouds gather on the horizon.

It’s also wise to perform a thorough inventory of your home and document your family’s belongings along with photographic evidence. Knowing exactly what you own can help you ensure you can replace it if anything goes wrong.

Take Protective Measures

Fortifying your home against flood damage involves a combination of structural and non-structural preparations. 

Start by elevating electrical switches, panels, and sockets at least 12 inches above potential flood levels (your BFE). Relocating your home’s vital appliances to higher floors or raised platforms can protect them from flood damage. Water heaters, furnaces, and AC units are top priorities. Anchoring fuel tanks and generators above expected flood levels is also wise.

Consider installing check valves to prevent sewage backup inside, which can cause highly unpleasant damage and health hazards. These backflow valves help block floodwaters from wreaking havoc with drainage pipes and contaminating freshwater systems

For added protection, invest in flood barriers or sandbags to redirect water away from vulnerable entry points. Sealing cracks in your foundation and walls can also be instrumental in keeping floodwaters at bay, especially in your basement or the lower levels of your home.

Not all of your possessions can be easily moved in the event of an impending flood. Identify and prioritize valuable items such as family heirlooms, important documents, and irreplaceable photographs. Store these items in waterproof containers and consider relocating them to higher levels within your home. 

Your home’s exterior plays a crucial role in flood preparedness. Evaluate your landscaping to ensure it facilitates proper drainage away from your home. Clear gutters and downspouts regularly to prevent water buildup around your foundation. 

Consider grading your yard away from the house to direct water flow away from vulnerable areas. Proper landscaping and drainage can be powerful allies in protecting your home from the devastating effects of flooding.

Preventing flood damage isn’t a one-time effort; it requires ongoing maintenance and vigilance. Regularly have your home inspected for potential vulnerabilities, including roof leaks, foundation cracks, and deteriorating seals around windows and doors. 

Addressing issues promptly maintains the integrity of your home’s defenses against flooding. A proactive approach to maintenance can save you from more significant challenges down the road.

Make a Strategic Plan

No matter how much you prepare, property-destroying events can happen at any time. From record-setting rainfall to burst pipes and natural disasters, today’s homeowners need to have a plan in place in case the unthinkable occurs. 

If you live in an area that is particularly prone to high water, you should gather these supplies to add to your emergency kit:

• Sandbags
• Plastic sheeting, tarps, and wood to cover walls and windows
• Waterproof sealant/ caulk to seal cracks and openings
• Sump pump, hoses, and a wet-vac
• Generator and fuel

Your family should be aware of evacuation plans in case authorities issue flood warnings. Identify an emergency meeting place and contact person. Also assemble copies of significant documents, extra medications, supplies for pets, and other essential items. 

After a flood, working with an experienced and highly trained disaster recovery team like PuroClean of Evanston will streamline the process of filing an insurance claim and returning your home to its previous condition.

Our Paramedics of Property Damage™ are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help homeowners restore their property, so contact us today!