5 simple tips to prepare your home for flood season

(BPT) - After a winter of frigid temperatures and record snowfalls, the nation now faces the spring thaw and long, rainy months. Flood season is officially here is your home ready for it?

Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States. Over the past five years, the average flood insurance claim was more than $35,000, according to FEMA.gov. If you or someone you know has ever experienced a flood, you know that cleanup can require a massive effort.

The best defense against flooding is a proactive approach. Consider these flood tips to prepare your home and family for flood season:

1. Get a shop vac

Every home that is susceptible to water and moisture should have a reliable shop vac. This type of vacuum sucks up water quickly and efficiently. Keep in mind, flood cleanup must be done quickly within the first 48 hours to avoid mold growth and extensive property damage.

2. Test your sump pump

Take the time now to test your sump pump. Simply lift the float on the side of the pump and listen for the pump to turn on; that noise indicates your pump is working correctly. Next, install a water alarm that will let you know if water is accumulating in your basement. An alarm like AdvanTEXT from WAYNE Pumps sends text messages to up to three people in the event of power outages or high water levels. If you are away from home or even out of town, you can take immediate action to protect your property, rather than unknowingly coming home to a flooded basement. Visit http://www.waynepumps.com/preventflooding for more information.

3. Seal cracks

Seal the cracks in the basement floor and foundation to prevent water seepage when the water table gets too high. Similarly, if you have concrete walls, be sure to seal those cracks as well. This is a simple DIY task that can be done using a variety of affordable sealant materials available at home improvement stores.

4. Prepare and protect

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5 simple tips to prepare your home for flood season