Spring Flood Defense: Safeguard your Valuables

4/15/2024 (Permalink)

Saving precious items is invaluable.

In a world filled with advice and warnings, staying prepared for emergencies can seem overwhelming. But when it comes to saving valuable items or even lives, the effort is worth it. Recently, my sister faced a devastating water and sewage backup in her basement, resulting in a total loss. Despite having a local SERVPRO to assist her (GO GREEN!), some items, like precious artwork and a drawing of her and her late cousin, are irreplaceable.

Another major concern was her computer. As a professional photographer with her office in the basement, thousands of photos and memories were stored on it. Why share this? So you can prepare for a similar situation.

While you might not salvage everything, materials like drywall and carpet will likely need restoration, saving precious items is invaluable and worth the effort.

Here are some tips on how to safeguard your basement during this season where flooding is even more likely.

• Take stock of your basement belongings, focusing on items of sentimental or monetary value such as family heirlooms, photo albums, important documents, and electronics.

• Store valuables in elevated areas, using shelves, raised platforms, or stackable containers to keep them above potential floodwaters.

• Invest in waterproof containers or storage bins to shield your belongings from water damage. Ensure tight-fitting lids to create a barrier against moisture.

• Preserve memories by digitizing photos, documents, and other irreplaceable items. Store digital copies on external hard drives or cloud-based platforms for added security.

• Take proactive measures to minimize flood risk, such as clearing gutters and downspouts, ensuring proper drainage away from the foundation, and installing a sump pump or backflow valve.

• Monitor weather forecasts and flood warnings in your area. Stay informed about potential flooding threats and have an evacuation plan ready if needed.