Spring showers are around the corner. Are you ready? Even if you don’t exactly live in a flood plain, you might be surprised at how quickly moisture can create serious damage in your property. In colder temperatures, snow melting combines with spring shower to create conditions that are prime for basement flooding and other issues. In Sacramento, we get most of our rain in February and March, with an average of nearly 4 inches. If your home is not fortified against spring flooding — you could be in trouble.
More than causing damage to your property, spring flooding can also empty your bank account. According to FEMA, the average flood claim is almost $34,000. And about 20% of all flood claims come in from areas where there is a low to moderate risk. Let’s talk about who is most at risk of damage from spring floods and what you can do to protect your home.
Who is Affected By Spring Flooding
If you live near a body of water, such as a river, you may be at more risk of flooding. That’s to be expected. But the rest of us have to stay protected, too. If your home has a decline in the front yard, overflow water from the road may run down and collect in front of your house. Even sinking soil around your home may allow rain water to pool where it shouldn’t. Bottom line: Don’t assume that just because you live on an incline that water will never flood your home. Bad gutters can also lead to major indoor flooding.
How to Prevent Water Damage
There are a few key upkeep tips that will keep flood damage at bay when spring showers start to come down. Start here:
1. Remove debris, leaves, and branches from your gutters, downspouts, and window wells. These stop proper draining and can also cause pressure to build up and create cracks in major structures.
2. Grade your landscaping away from your home. If your front yard, or even your flower beds, dip toward the house… it’s time for a remodel. Grade your landscaping so it grades away from the home.
3. Install a sump pump in any crawl spaces beneath your home. These pumps automatically pump out accumulating water before it can cause problems with your foundation or lead to other bug and mold problems.
What to Know About Insurance and Emergency Plans
Think your homeowners insurance will help you if a major flood happens on your street? Not so fast. Only flood insurance is specifically designed to pay for flood damage. Most people who don’t live in a commonly flooded area probably don’t think they need this type of coverage, but it’s worth exploring. In low-risk areas, your annual costs may be under $130. At the very least, check in with your insurance policy and make sure you understand which parts of a flood are covered by your policy and which are not.
FEMA also recommends having an emergency plan for a serious flood in your area, including knowing where to convene with family members on higher ground and how to quickly evacuate your home. If you’ve been getting a ton of rain lately, you may even want to start storing your most valuable belongings on the second floor of your home, in an attic, etc.
Cleaning Up After a Flood
A home that has experienced a spring flood needs some time to dry out. Industrial fans and ventilation help dry floors and other interior damage. You should also have a professional come look at your property for mold and major structural damage. Dry wall that has been affected should often be replaced. Flood water may lead to wood rot or other dangerous problems beneath your home involving vital support beams — so enlist some help if you think these parts of your home have been affected by torrential downpours.
Want to get out of your recently flooded home rather than fix it? We’re here to help. California Family Homebuyers purchases Sacramento homes in all sorts of conditions. We’re not afraid of a challenge. Contact us today to see if we’re able to purchase your property. We let you choose the closing date, and we can often complete the sale as fast as one week!