Three Ways To Prepare for Flooding From a Storm

7/25/2018 (Permalink)

Protect your belongings from flooding from a storm in Jamestown

A severe storm can occur at any time of the year. These storms can produce heavy rains, which may lead to flooding. In Jamestown, NY, this flooding can be devastating if flood water reaches the inside of your home. Being prepared in advance is critical to ensure the least amount of devastation. Here are three things you can do to make sure your home and your valuables are protected from a flood caused by a storm.

1. Familiarize yourself with your insurance policy. Understanding what type of insurance you have and what it covers – before a storm occurs – is critical. Regular homeowner’s insurance policies may not cover water damage from floods. Coverage for flooding must often be purchased in a separate flood policy obtained from the National Flood Insurance Program. If you need flood insurance, purchase it before the storm because it can take 30 days for coverage to start.

2. Be aware of the conditions in your area. Know when a flood is possible in your area. Most communities have an emergency alert system designed to notify residents of emergency conditions. You should also be aware of whether your home is in a flood-prone area.

3. Protect your items of value and important papers. To avoid damage from flood water, any items of value or important papers (i.e. insurance policies, birth certificates, property deeds, etc.) should be placed in containers that are watertight. If possible, these items should be placed at a level that is high enough to prevent them from floating away if you have a flooded building.

In the unfortunate event that a storm occurs and your home suffers damage from flood water, you may need the help of an experienced professional who specializes in water damage to clean up your home. Although a flood can be a devastating and destructive event, using the tips above to prepare your home, along with the assistance of a professional experienced in cleanup of storm damage, can make the recovery process less stressful.

For more on Jamestown click here.