The primary reason your basement and home can flood during a rainstorm is due to poor or blocked drainage. To help you keep water from seeping into places it’s not wanted, Clarke & Sampson, Inc. offers the following precautionary measures you can take to protect your home and its belongings from flooding due to surface water.

There's Something You Should Know

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), flooding is the nation’s most common natural disaster. Twenty-five percent of flood claims are filed by people living in moderate- to low-risk areas. Floodwaters have the power to damage not only your home and sense of security but also your financial future. How can you protect your most important investment?  

Simple Prevention Steps

• 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.

 Safety First

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 (703) 683-6601 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.