keep water outRain, Rain, will you ever go away? Ohio seems to be stuck in a rainy season so far this summer. In addition to not going swimming or having outside cookouts and ball games, we have to deal with lots and lots of water. Road closures, washed out ditches and the dreaded wet basement. What can you do to keep water out of your home? 

Did you know? The primary reason your basement and home flood during a rainstorm is due to poor or blocked drainage. To keep water out and from seeping into places it’s not wanted, we have a few precautionary measure to share. 

Flooding Due To Surface Water

To protect your home and it’s belongings from flooding due to surface water, use these simple precautions. 

  • Make sure that the ground area within 10 feet of your home slopes away from your home’s foundation.
  • Extend downspouts at least 10 feet from your home.
  • Direct water flow from downspouts away from your home, being careful not to discharge the water too close to adjacent property.
  • Preventive landscaping can also help reduce the chance of a mudslide or flooding.
  • Clean the gutters and the drainage downspouts attached to your roof at least twice a year.
  • Have your roof carefully inspected at least once a year by a capable person to check the roof thoroughly.
  • If your house or commercial lot is at risk of flooding from a higher neighboring property, consider building a solid wall masonry fence on the water-vulnerable boundaries of your property.
  • Be vigilant for warning signs of an impending water flood problem.

Plan Ahead

As for any emergency or disaster, planning ahead is key. In the event that you end up with water in your home you should be familiar with how to shut off electricity, gas and water at the main switches and valves. Knowing this ahead of time will help you react quickly and minimize potential damage. Also understanding your insurance policy is key. Knowing what is and is not covered ahead of time will help eliminate any stress and unexpected financial burden. Are  you covered if you have sewer back up? If your basement floods? If your property is flooded and enters your house? Contact your agent today to review your policy and get the answers to those questions. 

Click here to read a past post regarding Flood Insurance