03/25/2022
SPRING SHOWERS BRING WATER DAMAGE; BE PREPARED!
The old saying goes "April showers bring May flowers." However, those same showers can also bring something unwanted: water damage.
Rain that exceeds the capacity of storm sewers, sump systems, bodies of water and the ground's ability to absorb and hold water can cause big problems for your home, resulting in significant water damage and monetary costs.
Or you may have a leaky roof that leads to water seeping into your home.
Once this water enters your home, it has the potential to damage anything it comes in contact with, such as flooring, walls, insulation, framing, appliances and your furnishings.
If not addressed, this can lead to mildew, mold growth and wet rot.
Home disasters are never planned so it’s important to plan accordingly. The following tips can help ensure important documents and personal possessions are safe:
• Keep important documents in a safe place: Always keep copies of receipts for major household items such as appliance, televisions, electronics and other items. These receipts should be kept in a fire safe, waterproof container or safety deposit box off site. Other documents that should be kept in these containers include copies of the birth certificates, social security cards, insurance policies, passports, bank account information and car insurance information.
• Take inventory of your belongings: Walk around your home and take photos of your possessions.
• Protect family heirlooms: Renting a security deposit box at a bank to hold family heirlooms and treasures is a small cost for protecting them from water damage. Homeowners can contact a bank to rent one of these boxes.
• Have contact information ready and available: Always keep contact information for your insurance company, utility companies, local human service organizations, bank and friends and relatives in a safe place. In the event of water damage, you could lose all financial records, important documents and contact information if they aren’t kept in a water proof safe container or safety deposit box.
