Every resident in Arizona has experienced the intense summertime storms that come along with monsoon season. You step outside and feel the fierce gusts of wind and see the clouds turn from gloomy to downright intimidating as storms approach from the distance. Through the perspective of an Arizonian, a bit of rain can be refreshing and pleasant, but there's no denying the extreme amounts of damage one of these storms can cause to your home.
During this time of year floods are an increasingly probable hazard for the residents of Arizona. Monsoon season begins on June 15th and ends September 30th, with storms peaking during July and August. A couple inches of water entering your home can cause thousands of dollars in damages.
So what can you do to help prevent your home from the perils of flash floods? Follow these 7 different steps you can take to be prepared for these storms:
1. Clean out your gutters and drains: Gutters and drains are equipped to your home to transport water to an area where it will not cause damage to your home. Spend some time yourself removing leaves and debris from your gutters or higher a professional to do so to ensure that water is transported away from your home properly.
2. Protect your valued possessions: Whether it's your electronics, carpeting, or photo albums, if you're worried about potential flooding in your home in the nearby future, transport these items to an area that will not be reached by water in the event of a flood.
3. Install French Drains: A French drain is a trench filled with gravel or rock, containing a pipe that directs water away from your home. If you've experienced problems with water entering your home, a deep French drain running around the perimeter of your home can intercept water before it has a chance of entering your home.
An example of a French drain:
4. Stop Sewer Backup: A Backflow valve in your sewer system ensures that sewer water flows away from your home and prevents sewer water from flowing toward your home. These valves should be installed and maintained on all pipes entering the house.
5. Fix cracks and leaks immediately: If you notice leaks or cracks in your home that are allowing water to enter or seep in, fix them as soon as possible. Water can weaken the structure of your home and encourages mold to form. There are several inexpensive products available on the market that will allow you to seal cracks and leaks yourself.
6. Be sure your sump pump is functioning properly: The purpose of a sump pump is to pump water away from your home. A well functioning sump pump is vital to ensuring your home against flood damage. It is also smart to invest in a battery-powered sump pump, due to a electrical-powered sump pump possibly being damaged and nonfunctional as a result of the storm.
7. Have an inspection done on your home: Knowing the most vulnerable areas of your house is extremely important in preparing it for flood damage. Hiring a professional to identify how areas of your home will perform under flood conditions is crucial when preparing for a flood.
AZ Insurance Team 480-535-5709
https://www.azinsuranceteam.com
*All policies are a little different and this may not be applicable to your insurance policy, talk to your agent to see what your policy covers.*
*This post was originally published in May, 2017 and has been updated for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness*