Toledo, Ohio, is a beautiful place, but did you know that 9,374 homes here could be seriously flooded in the next 30 years? That’s about 17% of all the houses in Toledo! So, it’s super important to protect your home from floods. In this article, we’ll talk about easy ways to keep your house safe from water damage Toledo Ohio. Whether you’re thinking of buying a home here or already live in Toledo, these tips will help you stay dry and cozy, no matter what. Let’s get started!

9 Ways To Protect Your Home From In-Home Floods

Toledo is one of the most flood-prone areas in the world. If you are someone looking to establish here, consider these ways to protect your home from water damage Toledo Ohio caused due to heavy flood:

Get flood insurance

Consider obtaining flood insurance even if your house is not located in a high-risk flood area. Even if your property is in a moderate-to-low-risk area, your mortgage lender may insist that you obtain flood insurance. While flood insurance can be purchased at any time, it will not take effect until 30 days after you pay your payment. It is one of the most effective ways to safeguard your home from water damage Toledo Ohio.

Install a battery-powered sump pump

A sump pump will transport excess water from your basement to a dry well or storm drain. Sump pumps require electricity to function, so it’s a good idea to install a battery-powered backup to ensure that the pump continues to work even if the power goes out. It’s a good investment to help protect your property against flooding or at least reduce the damage. The easiest way to stop seepage through gaps in basement walls is to seal them with a waterproofing compound in advance of a flood.

Invest in flood sensors

One proactive way to reduce flood damage is via flood sensors. They are installed in various areas throughout your home and will notify you when water is detected in an area that should be dry, such as the basement. A flood sensor will allow you to respond swiftly to a flood. It will also alert you to other situations that could result in major water damage, such as a damaged pipe or an overflowing washbasin. Adding flood sensors to your home automation or security system is just one more way to keep your house safe from flooding. 

Add barriers or sandbags around your home

If your local building codes allow it, you can install walls around your home’s perimeter.  Beams, levees, and floodwalls can help prevent floodwaters from accessing your property. If permanent barriers are not an option for protecting your home from water damage, place sandbags around your doors. It is a very cheap and effective way to safeguard your home from water damage Toledo Ohio.

Install an automatic shut-off valve and check valve

When put in a strategic location, an automated shutoff valve can assist prevent significant flood damage to your property. When a flood sensor is activated, an automated shutdown valve near your home’s major water inlet turns off the main water supply. They are battery-powered, and owing to wireless technology, no wires connect the flood sensors to the automated shutdown valve. 

Elevate the water heater and major appliances

To prepare for a flood, make sure your water heater, furnace, and other appliances, such as the washing and dryer, are at least one foot above the ground. You can use a temporary solution, such as putting them on cement blocks and supporting them with sandbags, plywood sheets, or other strong obstacles. Alternatively, you can choose a more permanent alternative, such as a cement pedestal. 

Create an emergency flood plan and home inventory list

Floods can happen suddenly, giving homeowners little time to organize an escape. It is critical to create and practice a flood escape strategy with your family on a semi-annual basis. Members of your household should know where they can go if they are unable to go home due to flooded roadways. If you do not already have a home inventory, now is the time to start one. 

Make sure you have your valuables’ purchase date, approximate worth, and documentation to streamline the flood insurance claim procedure. A house inventory list can be created in the form of a written copy, a digital list, or a visual recording such as video or photographs. It is very important to keep your loved ones safe from water damage Toledo Ohio.

Safeguard important paperwork

Collect any information you may require both during and after a flood, then store it in a waterproof document container. Include a copy of your flood insurance policy, as well as the contact information for your insurance provider. Include copies of any relevant documents, such as the deed to your home, birth certificates, and health insurance cards. It’s also crucial to have electronic copies that you can access securely in case the paper copies are lost. 

Put together an emergency kit

Now that you’ve created an emergency flood plan and secured essential documents, it’s time to assemble an emergency pack. In addition to first-aid materials, your family emergency pack should include the following:

  • MREs (meals, ready-to-eat)
  • Canned food
  • Bottled water.
  • Blankets
  • At least one torch with additional batteries.
  • Change of clothes for each household member.
  • Toiletries and necessary prescription drugs

Conclusion

In conclusion, safeguarding your home from in-home floods in Toledo, Ohio, is crucial for ensuring your peace of mind and preserving your property. By implementing simple preventive measures and staying prepared, you can minimize the risks and keep your home safe and secure for years to come.

Water damage Toledo Ohio can damage your home internally. That is when water damage restoration services play it role. For water damage restoration services, contact Sparkling Clean Carpet Care. Don’t let water damage compromise your health—ensure a safe home today with our expert assistance!

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