Keeping Flood Damage at Bay
February 26, 2010
If one is now building their home, or considering purchasing one, it is necessary to know where the flood prone areas are in the vicinity. The local planning department should be able to help with this and may even have maps showing the areas of highest flooding. There is usually a high water line which represents the maximum height flood waters have gotten to previously. Try to build, or buy, above this line. While it’s true there’s no guarantee that subsequent floods won’t climb higher than this, it a least offers some level of protection.
If one already lives in a flood prone area there are still some things that can be done to mitigate the effects of flood damage. These include:
• Raising electrical outlets so there is less of a chance of them being affected by flood waters. This of course depends on how high the flood waters typically are.
• Sealing basements properly can reduce the likelihood of water seepage in the case of rising groundwater.
• Keeping valuables, including important papers and backups of computer files, in a waterproof container.
• Placing appliances on blocks, or elevating them by some other method, in cases where flooding is restricted to a few inches of water.
• Installation of a sewer backflow valve in the home.
One of the first systems to be affected by a flood is the sewage system. Having this back up into one’s home is not only disgusting but it also presents a health hazard.
Flood insurance is a necessity. In some areas, this may not be included in a general plan and one will have to pay extra. The cost of the premium will depend on how likely it is that flooding will occur. For example, low lying floodplain areas can be expected to carry very high premiums. Even if one doesn’t think the possibility of flooding is high, it is still better to have such a precaution in place than to have to deal with flood damage and not have any compensation to look forward to.
There’s no way to say with certainty that a particular area will never be hit by a flood. Flood damage can result from a number of factors, from changing weather patterns to unsafe disposal of garbage causing blockages in major waterways. Planning ahead is the key when it comes to dealing with flood damage. Knowing what can happen and how to deal with the possible consequences can go a long towards reducing anxiety should unfavorable conditions hit. Even if one can’t prevent flooding, it is at least possible to take all the necessary steps to ensure that the damage is kept to a minimum.
Insurance for Flood and Storm Damage
February 19, 2010
Everyone wants to save a little money and there’s nothing wrong with that. What’s wrong is the way that some homeowners go about it. Not investing in a policy which covers storm and flood damage is a mistake that many have realized after the fact. Typical policies of this sort protect the holders against the cost of home repairs in the case of a flood or storm. It is also possible to get contents insurance, which will offer remuneration for valued items damaged during the disaster.
While having insurance can give one a level of peace of mind should the unthinkable happen, it doesn’t make up for the hassle or the loss of sentimental items. The best way to do this is to reduce the possible damage which can be caused. No one can guarantee that there will be no damage but there things one can do to mitigate the effects:
• Ensure that the roof is in good condition with no leaks and loose or missing tiles.
• Do regular inspections of the home to make certain that there are no cracks or other ways for water to seep into the foundation if there is a flood.
• Keep all gutters and drains free from debris as clogging can cause water to back up into the home.
• Trim any trees around the house and keep them at an acceptable height so there is no risk of branches flying or of having the tree fall on the house.
• If one lives in an area which is prone to storms, consider investing in storm shutters.
• Ideally appliances should be turned off during a storm. If there is even the remote possibility of flooding the electricity main should be shut down. Remember that water is a great conductor and can lead to electric shocks or even death.
• Small valuables should be kept safe in a watertight container. Don’t forget to include the insurance policy in there. It will be needed afterwards.
Remember that if one suffers serious storm or flood damage, alternative accommodations will be needed. Be sure to have this included as part of the insurance policy. While these added elements will hike up the insurance premium, it is better than not having coverage should the worst come to pass. Call the insurance company as soon as the storm or flood has subsided so they can file a claim. Make sure that pictures are taken of all damaged items before throwing them out. Where it is safe to do so, damaged items should be kept until an insurance agent has made an assessment.
Floods can destroy documents and records if not restored quickly
February 5, 2010
A flood or water damage in your home can leave you wondering if your books or documents can be salvaged. There is a process of document restoration that will allow you to clean book and documents, but you have to make sure it is done properly. If a book is contaminated with water gently remove it from the body of water. Don’t open or close the book and don’t remove the cover. If there is mud or some sort of substance on it you can rinse the book with cold running water. To get the substance off you can use a sponge to brush the substance off, but don’t rub or scrape it as it could cause more damage. Make sure to clean and dry books that most important and to be cautious of the strength of the book. When the book is ready for drying there are a few different techniques. First there is the freezing method and this allows the drying process to be too sped up. Take the book seal it in a zip-loc bag and place it in the freezer. The freezing of the book can help stop it from deteriorating. After that let the pages defrost and separate the papers allowing them to dry. If the book is strong enough you can let it air dry. Open the book and place it on the driest edge of the book that can best support it. Every few hours flip the book upside down to successfully dry the book out. A fan can help speed up the drying process. Absorbent material is another way to help dry the book. Every ten to fifteen pages place white absorbent paper in between pages. Replace the paper every hour or as the paper become saturated. Applying pressure to the book is very key is drying it. Make sure the book is closed and use a light amount of weight to allow it to dry flat. Don’t apply to much weight where it is crushing the spine. Also ensure that throughout the process that mold isn’t forming. Trying to dry paper or documents are more difficult in that it is more fragile and it can distort or swell. It’s important that the drying process is started immediately because mold can form in just twenty-four to forty-eight hours. The freezing technique can help in salvaging document and papers. Allowing good air circulation can eliminate odors. Placing the papers once there dry in a box with an open box of baking soda can absorb the odor. Make sure there is no physical contact between the two products. Inspect the papers daily to insure no mold is forming.
