Spring is a beautiful time of year, with warmer temperatures, blooming flowers, and the return of outdoor activities. However, spring also brings an increased risk of flooding, which can cause significant damage and even be life-threatening.

It’s important for homeowners to be aware of the risks of spring flooding and take steps to prevent and prepare for potential emergencies. Here’s how to prepare your home for spring flooding, how you can prevent water damage, and emergency measures you can take to protect yourself and your property.

How To Prepare for Spring Floods

Preparing for spring floods is crucial to minimize the potential damage to your property. It only takes two feet of rushing water to move most vehicles, including heavy SUVs and pick-up trucks.

Here are some important steps you can take to prepare for potential flooding:

• Stay informed: Keep track of local weather forecasts, flood warnings, and evacuation orders. You can also sign up for your community’s emergency alert system for timely updates.
• Create an emergency plan: Create an evacuation plan and ensure every household member knows it. Also plan for your pets, as many evacuation shelters may not allow animals.
• Protect important documents: Store important documents, such as passports, birth certificates, and insurance policies, in a waterproof container in a secure location. This makes it easier for rescue personnel and other authorities to identify you, gain access to medical care, and prevent additional stress during a difficult time.
• Consider flood insurance: Most homeowners insurance policies don’t cover flooding, so if you don’t yet have flood insurance, consider purchasing it for peace of mind.
• Create an emergency kit: Prepare a disaster supply kit, including a first-aid kit, flashlights, batteries, blankets, and emergency food and water supplies.

By taking these steps, you can minimize the risk of damage and harm.

Preventing Spring Flooding

While spring flooding can be unpredictable, there are steps you can take to protect your home to prevent or minimize the impact of spring flooding. These can include:

• Clear gutters and downspouts: Make sure your gutters and downspouts are clear of debris so water can flow away from your home.
• Move belongings to higher ground: If you have a basement, move any valuable belongings to higher ground to protect them from flooding.
• Install flood sensors: Consider installing flood sensors that will alert you if water levels start to rise in your home, as this can help you respond to emergencies as quickly as possible.
• Get your sump pump checked: Your sump pump keeps your home dry, so having it checked and maintained before any possible spring flooding occurs is always a good idea.

Emergency Measures

When it becomes clear that a spring flood is unavoidable, emergency measures are crucial to ensuring the safety of you and your family. If flooding is imminent, turn off the electricity and gas to your home. Move any valuables to higher ground and, if possible, move your car to higher ground.

If you’re instructed to evacuate, do so immediately. Remember that floodwaters can be extremely dangerous, so it’s important to stay safe and follow the advice of local authorities. In an emergency, have a disaster kit with essential supplies, including food, water, and medications.

Protect Your Home With Whipple Service Champions

At Whipple Service Champions, we understand the importance of protecting your home in the event of a flood. If you’ve been affected by a spring flood or want to protect your home with the help of flooding professionals, we offer an array of services, including:

• Plumbing services
• Electrical services
• Emergency heating
• Air conditioning services

Contact Whipple Service Champions today to learn more about how we can help protect your home from spring flooding.