Owning a house is one of the most significant investments a person can make in their life. We work so hard to attain a place that we can call our home and build a future with our loved ones. Therefore, it is essential to take preventive measures to secure your property against potential losses caused by a natural calamity such as floods. 

As a homeowner, you have to be knowledgeable on what are the things you can do to prevent flooding in your home and reduce flood damages. 

Here are the 3 Ways to Prepare your Home for a Flood 

• Elevate your Appliances and Belongings

When preparing for a flood you must elevate your appliances and belongings to prevent home damage and electrocution during a flood. First, identify items that you will want to raise if floodwaters threaten your home. Then, you can move them off the ground floor or submit them on a pedestal where they stand. And, if your area is at high risk of flooding then consider moving them to the second floor of your house if possible.

It is important to raise all of your electrical appliances and be sure to turn off your home’s power before electrical systems can become compromised to reduce the risk of electrical shocks. 

• Protect Your Valuable Items

Protect your valuable items and important documents, gather them, and put them in sealable bags that are waterproof. It is advisable to take a photo and videos of your important household items and personal valuables to secure a copy of them for your records. You can do a video walkthrough of your home to document its contents, which will help with the insurance claims process. Store them online and keep these records in a safe place. 

• Apply Sealants and Coatings

Applying sealant and coatings to your exterior walls, windows, and doorways is a form of dry floodproofing. It aims to seal up your house against flood waters. This will help prevent flood water from entering your home thus, sustaining fewer damages to your property. 

Seal any cracks and gaps on your doors and windows and other surfaces where water could seep into your home’s foundation. Also, coat the walls with a waterproofing compound to keep water from seeping through, do this, especially on your basement walls where it is prone to flooding.  

Doing these preventative measures will keep your home functioning after a flood. 

These are just some of the many ways you can prepare your home for a flood.

Buying or Selling your home in Valley Village, Studio City, Sherman Oaks, Woodland Hills, Calabasas or the greater Los Angeles area? Contact The Michelle Hirsch Group’s team of top real estate agents for all your Real Estate and Investment Property needs at 818-293-8460 or visit the website at https://MichelleHirsch.com