Flood Prevention Inside the Home and Out | SERVPRO® of East Brownsville & South Padre Island

4/23/2024 (Permalink)

Protecting your home from flooding is important for everyone, all around the nation. Just an inch of water can mean substantial damage and can cost you a huge amount of money for repairs.

If your neighborhood isn’t one at risk for frequent floods, you may not qualify for financial assistance with your insurance or with federal sources. Therefore, any preventative measures you can take are essential.

We have seen year after year the challenges that flooding poses being so close to the Gulf. Our corner of Texas has experienced river flooding, coastal flooding and storm surges that have taken out entire neighborhoods. Take the time to check on your home’s risk factors and learn as much as you can about the risks our region faces.

<h3your-home-from-the-outside">Protecting Your Home From the Outside

Sometimes flooding can’t be predicted, and an unexpected rain will leave yards and gutters drenched. Get your home ready from the outside in and lower the risk of damages to save on repairs.

Clean out your gutters to keep them clear of debris, sticks and leaves so water can flow away from your property. Extended downspouts are also an effective and inexpensive addition that will keep water moving in the right direction.

Organic materials like mulch can aid in protection when added near your home in a downward slope. Water will roll away from your foundation, and puddles will be avoided.

Landscaping can also be a great preventive tool and ensure that water doesn’t gather and enter into your home. Gardens are highly absorbent when heavy rains roll through. Water is pulled down into soil and roots rather than soaking your lawn and creating puddles.

There are a few upgrades to your home you could invest in for protection in all kinds of weather. Newer homes on the Island or near the coastline may already include raised electric and anchored fuel tanks, but if you are in an older home or farther away from water, adding these can offer protection when flooding occurs.

While these can cost a bit, something as simple as adding a rain barrel that collects water directly from your gutters is a cost effective way to keep water from ponding or puddling. It is also a great way to water the plants you added to your yard!

<h3protection-from-the-inside">Flood Protection From the Inside

A firm foundation and well-sealed basement are the best forms of protection for your home when it comes to external sources of flooding.

If your foundation is cracked, seal it. Install a sump pump in your basement or bottom floor that will pump any water out that comes in, and if your area is high-risk, spring for a battery-operated pump that will continue working even when the power goes out.

When a flood doesn’t come from outside, you can protect your house with easy home maintenance.

Pipes are one of the most common sources of water disasters in the home. Take care of pipes that have aged and be sure to stop leaks in order to prevent failures. Include checking your plumbing as a normal part of your house-cleaning routine in order to catch issues early.

Adding a sensor that detects leaks can also be a way to mitigate damages from water. Some security systems offer this add-on, so if you have been considering updating or adding a new system to your home, go for the upgrade. It will offer you a lot of peace of mind knowing that if water is flowing when it shouldn’t be, you can stop it fast.

Any kind of floodwater will damage paper goods and photographs right away when it takes over your home. Keep items that cannot be replaced stored up high or in a waterproof container. Your emergency contacts should also be stored somewhere safe—and should include SERVPRO. We have ²⁴⁄₇ availability and the experience to get your recovery started fast.

Experienced water damage in your home? Call SERVPRO today to get your restoration completed faster.