LOSS PREVENTION    |   Flood

Flooding and damage resulting from other water sources are the most common type of natural disaster worldwide accounting for 40% of all natural disasters. Flood effects can be local, impacting a neighborhood or community, or very large, affecting entire river basins and multiple states. However, all floods are not alike. Some floods develop slowly, sometimes over a period of days. But flash floods can develop quickly, sometimes in just a few minutes and without any visible signs of rain.

Practice water loss safety

• Avoid building in a flood prone area unless you elevate and reinforce your home.
• Check the pitch of the landscaping around your home to make sure the property is graded to drain water away from the building.
• Check operation of sump pumps, especially prior to heavy rains or regional flooding.
• If your property is prone to flooding consider installing french drains, drywells or other additional drainage aids.
• Perform regular checks and cleaning of gutters, leaders and drains to remove any blockages.
• Elevate the furnace, water heater, and electric panel if susceptible to flooding.
• Install "check valves" in sewer traps to prevent floodwater from backing up into the drains of your home.
• Contact community officials to find out if they are planning to construct barriers (levees, beams, floodwalls) to stop floodwater from entering the homes in your area.
• Seal the walls in your basement with waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage.
• Watch for flash floods, flood watch, and flood warnings on the news.

Prevent frozen pipes

• Maintain heat in the home at a comfortable level. Be sure that system is properly fueled and serviced for consistent heating. Change filters on oil-fired heating systems regularly.
• Seal any leaks in the home's foundation that allow cold air inside. (Do not cover vents that are installed to provide combustion air to fuel-fired hot water heaters or other equipment as that could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.)
• Check for pipes close to exterior walls. Insulate any exposed pipes in your home's crawl space, attic or basement.
• If your water meter box is outdoors, be sure that it is insulated and the lid is on tight.
• Protect outdoor electrical equipment to help prevent power outage.
• Make sure you know the location of the water main shut-off valve. In the event of a pipe break, turn water off at this point.
• Open the cabinets under the sinks in the kitchen and bathrooms to allow heat to circulate around vulnerable water pipes.
• If you elect to drain pipes when leaving for an extended period, turn off the water at the shut-off valve while faucets are running to drain the pipes. If you drain pipes, contact the electric or gas company for instructions on protecting the water heater.