5 Ways To Prepare for Winter Flooding

​Do you know that flooding can happen anytime, even during the winter season? From 2008 to 2018, around 20 percent of significant flooding occurred during the cold months. If you live in an area where you experience snow or ice during wintertime, it pays to understand and prepare for winter flooding.  

Understand How Winter Flooding Occurs
The most common cause of wintertime flooding is snowmelt. When this happens very quickly, the ground cannot absorb so much water, and thus it will flow and reach homes and streets, causing a flood. Another cause would be large chunks of ice jamming natural waterways. Water that naturally passes through may instead move towards the roads and reach homes, causing floods.  

Prepare Your Home’s Exterior
Ensure that your home is prepared by checking your home's exterior. Remove any debris surrounding your home so water will flow through without damaging your home. Also, remove all the snow around your home's foundation. Inspect your home's exterior before the winter season starts and weekly after that. 
 
Check Your Basement Before Winter Season Hits
Water will initially collect in the basement, so you must check this area before anything else. Check the basement walls for any leaks and cracks. A waterproof sealant or caulking can help seal cracks and holes right away. If you still have time, consult a professional to help you seal and protect your basement correctly.  

Invest In A Sump Pump
A sump pump is a special kind of pump that can effectively remove water or flood from any area like your basement. Flooding may still happen even if you waterproof this room, especially when water levels are too high or in case of a storm. A sump pump is a good investment, especially when your area is at risk of flooding, not just during the winter season.  

Be Ready With An Evacuation Plan
Always have a food evacuation plan and make sure that family members know of this plan. Include in the list the following: unplug all your electronics and electric appliances from the socket. Make sure that all the cords do not touch the wet ground.  

Carry a first aid kit and an emergency kit with flashlights, a fresh set of batteries, food, water, blankets, a whistle, first aid and medicines, jackets, parkas, coats, etc.  

What Is Your Flood Risk?
Talk to a flood insurance expert about your flood risk. Get to know how your home insurance protects you against flood and update your coverage as needed. 

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