Winter is coming to an end, and we can start putting away our toques and gloves until next year. In place of winter storms, the spring flood season is about to begin, and homeowners need to be prepared. Flooding can pose risks not just to homes, but also to health. Floodwater contamination is common after heavy rains, which can cause illnesses due to bacteria or other contaminants coming into contact with people or entering the food chain through contaminated water. The experts at PuroClean have compiled some spring flooding prevention and preparation tips to help ensure that your home and those in it stay safe this spring!
What Causes Extra Flooding During Spring?
Flooding is common in the spring months due to heavy rain, ice jams, and melting snow, but spring flooding can also be caused by thawing permafrost and geothermal heat flux. Thawing permafrost causes ground instability and increases landslide risks. Geothermal heat flux, which is the flow of hot groundwater from rivers or lakes to the glaciers above, causes ice melting and spring flooding in high-latitude regions.
Flooding is an important spring issue in many areas, with spring floods occurring in many places every year. In Canada, for example, flooding is the most common natural disaster. The Canadian Institute for Climate Choices reported in 2021 that at least half a million buildings in Canada are located within high flood-risk areas not identified by government mapping. This means spring flood damage could impact even more homes in later years.
5 Spring Flooding Prevention and Preparation Tips for Homeowners
Spring flooding is largely preventable when taking some simple precautions. Although thawing snow and heavy rains are inevitable, taking the necessary steps can prevent the water from getting into and damaging your home. Here are five spring flooding prevention tips for homeowners:
1. Create an Emergency Spring Flood Plan
The first step to spring flood prevention is having an emergency plan in place. A spring flood plan should cover the actions you will need to take if your home floods. Be sure to include steps to take immediately in the situation, a meeting place, and essential contact information. Practice the plan with the members of your household, so everyone is prepared.
2. Check Your Insurance Policy
Homeowners who live in a flood risk area should take the time to check their insurance policies and make sure they are covered for overland flooding or seepage. Many insurance companies offer these additional endorsements on insurance policies, but most are not automatically included in the standard home policy. Knowing this beforehand is a tremendous help. Many plans can take 30 days to go into effect, so don’t put it off too long, or it may be too late.
3. Install French Drains or a Sump Pump
French drains, also known as weeping tiles, are a great spring flood prevention tool that help divert water away from homes and other buildings. Sump pumps work by diverting water away from the house foundation while keeping the basement dry.
4. Check and Clear Drains and Gutters
Your spring flooding prevention plan should include:
- Checking all the drains on your property.
- Ensuring that gutters and storm drains are not blocked, as well as downspouts that carry water away from the foundation.
- It also doesn’t hurt to have sandbags available in case of a sudden and torrential spring storm.
5. Install Flood Detection Sensors
Spring flooding is particularly difficult because it can come with little to no warning. The installation of a flood detection sensor will provide some reassurance in knowing when a flood event has occurred, even when you are not home at that time. This kind of spring flood awareness system will give you peace of mind, even if your house floods!
Call PuroClean for Water Damage Restoration from Spring Storms!
It is difficult to predict future weather events, but we do have the ability to take precautions to safeguard ourselves. Following these spring flooding prevention measures may help you avoid anxiety and stress during harsh spring storms. Keep in mind, however, that even the best precautions aren’t always guaranteed; water damage is still possible. PuroClean’s water damage restoration professionals are available 24/7 to assist you. Visit our website or call (877) 261-7876 to get connected with your local PuroClean office today.
PuroClean is a leading emergency property restoration company, based in Kelowna and Penticton, that specializes in restoring property damages caused by water, fire, mould, and biohazard in homes and businesses. We are committed to responding, restoring, and rescuing properties in communities throughout the Okanagan area.
March 18, 2022
