Water damage in a house can be some of the most expensive to fix, and sometimes homeowners insurance won't cover the high costs. Security System Reviews offers seven tips on avoiding house floods.
1. Be aware of flood insurance policies already in place, and if no flood insurance is present, consider purchasing a policy that will cover damage related to a flood. Many people are not aware of a lack of flood insurance coverage in existing homeowner’s policies.
2. Fix all leaks immediately. Leaky roofs and cracks in the foundation of a home not only weaken the structure, but also create a breeding ground for dangerous mold. In addition, close all foundation cracks using masonry caulk or hydraulic cement.
3. Invest in a flood alarm. Many alarm companies offer flood detectors as an add-on feature. For homeowners that don’t already have wireless security systems, there are also a number of do-it-yourself security system companies that offer flood sensors. In addition, homeowners may want to consider installing a home automation system. This way, if a flood is detected while a homeowner is away, the home automation company will be alerted. This can be useful not only if a natural disaster strikes, but also if water is left running in a home. Home automation systems can save a homeowner thousands of dollars in damage by preventing an actual flood from occurring.
4. Keep drains and gutters clear and free of debris. This will allow water to drain away from a home, rather than collecting, particularly during a time of heavy rain.
5. All electrical components in a home should be raised to a level that is at least 12 inches above a home’s projected flood elevation. This includes sockets, switches, breakers and wiring systems.
6. Keep an inventory of all valuable household possessions. It’s best to create a catalog using a digital camera or camcorder, because traditional printed photographs can get lost or also be damaged during a flood.
7. Invest in a sump pump. Sump pumps can be a very valuable asset in case of flooding. It’s best to choose either a battery-powered sump pump in case of an electrical outage, or also have a back-up battery-powered pump in addition to an electrical pump.
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