Preventing Flooding in Your Honolulu Home | SERVPRO® of Central Honolulu
9/7/2022 (Permalink)
No one wants to think about the damages that would happen if your home experiences a flood. Water can cause widespread damages very quickly, even if it is only an inch or two.
In addition to the struggles of dealing with the damages, your property may not always be covered under your insurance or qualify for federal disaster aid. Thinking about the idea of being responsible for the full cost of any restoration project should make you want to take as many preventive measures as possible.
Any time it rains, there is a risk of flooding in Hawaii. The valleys in our area can make flash flooding happen quickly as the narrow channels can cause water surges. Our personal risk in Honolulu fluctuates, but is highest from October through April.
If your home has a gutter and downspout system, it can help reduce your risk of flooding by keeping water off of your roof and forcing it to flow away from your home. Keep your gutters clear and free of blockages.
If you have a green thumb, consider planting a garden to create a place for water to flow into. Your flowers will thank you, and so will your dry foundation! You can also add mulch around the foundation of your home to help absorb the water that flows toward your home.
If you have a propane or fuel tank on your property, make sure it is anchored to the ground so it doesn’t wash away during any flash flood. Also consider moving electrical outlets off of the ground, and turn off electricity to any areas that are prone to flooding before any incoming storm or warning.
The interior of your home starts with your foundation! The majority of water issues can be traced back to a crack in your foundation or a waterproofing issue. Seal up any cracks that you see immediately.
It doesn’t have to be expensive to protect your home from a flood. Some simple steps can make the difference between being prepared for and being surprised by any storm!
Flooding risk doesn’t just exist outside the home. Sometimes it can originate inside due to a leaky pipe or appliance. Inspect your utilities often to catch any small issues to prevent a larger problem from affecting you later.
It is also important to protect the things in your house that make it a home! Store photos and other important keepsakes off of the ground or keep them in a watertight safe.
Most possessions can be replaced, but paper goods and memories cannot be. You should also always have a copy of your emergency plan stored on a high shelf or in your emergency kit so you are never taken by surprise by any natural disaster.
Experienced water damage in your home? Call SERVPRO of Central Honolulu today to get your restoration completed faster.