Preventing and Reducing Catastrophic Flood Damages And Restoration Services
Living in the Savannah, Georgia area comes with many perks; whether its enjoying a day at the renowned beach at Tybee Island or taking advantage of one of the many outdoor excursions available, the beautiful nearby Atlantic Ocean is generally the centerpiece. However, living in a coastal area does come with its own unique set of risks, one of which is damages from hurricanes and tidal flooding. The key to preventing and reducing possible water damages is understanding that flooding can happen quickly and often with very little warning. From the professionals at Harper Services in Savannah, here are a few simple steps to prepare your home to take now that may help reduce your risk.
Flood Restoration Services In Savannah
Step One:
Use water-resistant storage containers to store items in, especially items that are of value or not easily replaceable. It's also important to remember to place these items off the floor wherever possible. The easiest way to do this is by investing in wire storage racks. If you are short on space, most home improvement stores sell wire racks that can be hung from the ceiling.
Step Two:
Regularly inspect your home for cracks in any brickwork or stucco, or siding that may have any gaps in it, exposing the framing of your home. Even very minor cracks or gaps can let water into your home and lead to water damage. Be sure to inspect your roofing as well for any repairs that may be needed. If you are worried about any areas of your home, it may be a good idea to hire a professional to perform an assessment and perform any needed repairs.
Step Three:
Get in the habit of routinely checking your drainage systems and gutters. Clogged drainage systems can quickly lead to flooding in your home, because the water can’t flow through the system properly and can instead begin to pool.
Step Four:
Thoroughly read and understand your home’s insurance policy. This is especially important to review well before any impending storms, as most insurances won’t allow you to purchase additional coverage if a storm watch is in place. Also, be sure that you have flood insurance coverage if you live in an area that has any potential for flooding; most standard homeowners insurances do not include flood coverage; it must be purchased separately. It is also important to keep the contact information of reputable restoration services in your area, such as Harper Special Services, handy. When creating this list, look for a restoration company that is fully licensed and experienced in water restoration. It's also helpful to know how quickly they can respond and if they will bill your insurance directly.
Step Five:
Make sure you have a plan in place on what to do in the event of an impending storm. Knowing what areas of your home need the most protection before a storm will give you the upper hand and allow you to better prepare quickly. When making your plan, keep in mind areas of your home that may need to be boarded with plywood or protected with sandbags; this should be your first priority. After that, ensure that you know how and where to turn off any electricity and gases, as well at what items may need to be unplugged and moved to higher ground. Also, be sure any outdoor furniture is moved into a safe location or staked down. Of course, there are always instances where preventing flood damage entirely isn’t possible. In those cases, it's imperative to call a restoration service company as quickly as possible. Flood damage, if not addressed, can worsen and lead to mold and structural damages.