Stay Prepared for A Water Damage Emergency

2/3/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage is one of the most common types of property damage you can expect to experience. With climate change and natural disasters becoming more common every year, it's important to be prepared for potential flooding or other situations where your home might be affected by water damage.

Be aware of your local flood risk.

Before you can prepare for a flood, it's important to know your local flood risk. Know the risks in your area. You can find out what areas are prone to flooding by looking at local flood maps or talking with your neighbors and community members. If you live near a river or stream, ask them whether they have experienced any recent flooding and how much damage was caused by it.

Know the flood risk for your neighborhood and home. Different types of buildings have different levels of protection against water damage due to floods. For example, basements are more vulnerable than upper floors above ground level because they have less structural integrity than walls made out of concrete or brick (which is why basements should never be used as living spaces). If possible, consider purchasing insurance specifically tailored towards dealing with water damage caused by flooding so that you're covered if something happens!

Keep important documents in a safe 

To keep your important documents safe, it's best to keep them in a fireproof safe or a safe deposit box at your bank. If you need to access these documents quickly, you know where they are and won't have to waste time looking for them.

Make sure you're ready to evacuate.

If you see a flood coming, it's best to leave and take your pets with you. If possible, take important documents, such as birth certificates and Social Security cards. You can also bring along some cash if needed; it's better than having nothing at all when the power goes out. Finally, don't forget about medications that are typically kept in your home--if they're not already stored in an emergency kit (more on those later), then make sure they're packed up before evacuating!

Have an emergency kit and supplies on hand.

In case of a flood, you want to be prepared. Having an emergency kit and supplies on hand can make all the difference in the world when it comes to getting through a water damage situation.

One of the best ways to prepare yourself for a flood is by keeping an emergency kit in your car or at home. The contents of these kits will vary from person-to-person, but they should include things like flashlights, battery-powered radios, first aid kits, cash and change. It is also good to have bottled water and nonperishable food items like granola bars or canned food that won't go bad if left unrefrigerated for long periods.

water shutoff valves

Knowing where your water shutoff valves are located and how to use them is an important part of staying prepared for a water damage emergency. The location of your water shutoff valve will vary depending on the type of plumbing system in your home, but most homes have one near the front door.

storm-safe glass from windows and doors.

Tempered glass, laminated glass and safety film are the best options for your windows and doors. Tempered and laminated glass is stronger than regular plate or tempered glass. It can withstand the wind pressure of a Category 1 hurricane (74-95 mph) without breaking. Safety film is another option that helps prevent injury from flying debris during storms but does not protect against structural damage to your home if it breaks in high winds.

Be Prepared

When it comes to water damage, you need to be prepared. A flood or leak can happen at any time, so it's best to be prepared ahead of time. When a water emergency happens, you may not have much time to react and act quickly. That's why it's important for everyone in your family or business who lives or works in the building where the damage occurred (including tenants) should know what steps they should take during this type of situation.

Water damage can be a nightmare, but if you take the proper steps to prepare your home and family for the worst-case scenario, then you'll be able to handle any situation that comes along.