6 Ways to Protect your Home from Spring Flooding Spring is coming, and with it, the risk of flooding. Heavy rains and melting snow can lead to water damage in homes, but the good news is that you can take steps now to protect your property. Here are six easy ways to keep your home safe from floods: Duck in flood water. Links to Ready PA Newsletter signup. 1. Check Your Flood Risk Before you do anything else, find out if your home is in a flood-prone area. You can use this tool to check your flood risk. Even if you don’t live near a river or stream, heavy rains can still cause flooding, so it’s always good to be prepared. 2. Get Flood Insurance Did you know that regular homeowners’ insurance does not cover flood damage? Flood insurance can save you thousands of dollars in repairs. Since it takes about 30 days to go into effect, don’t wait until the next big storm to get covered! You can buy it through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private insurance companies. Learn more here. 3. Keep Your Gutters and Downspouts Clear Clogged gutters can cause water to pool around your home and seep into your basement. Clean them out regularly, especially before heavy rain is expected. Also, make sure downspouts direct water at least six feet away from your house to keep it from collecting near the foundation. 4. Install a Sump Pump (and a Backup Battery!) A sump pump is a great way to keep your basement dry by pumping out excess water. If you already have one, make sure it’s working properly. Since storms can knock out power, a battery backup is a smart idea to keep it running when you need it most. 5. Seal Any Cracks in Your Foundation Take a walk around your home and check for any cracks in the foundation, walls, or basement floor. Water can sneak in through small gaps, so use sealant or waterproof coatings to keep it out. This is a simple fix that can make a big difference. 6. Raise Your Appliances & Utilities If flooding happens, you don’t want to lose important things like your water heater, furnace, or washer and dryer. If possible, raise them above potential flood levels or move them to higher ground. This can help prevent costly repairs and damage. Stay Prepared! Taking these steps now can save you a lot of stress (and money) later. Keep an eye on the weather, listen to local alerts, and stay ready for spring floods. A little preparation now can go a long way in protecting your home and family!

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