Flood Damage Protection after a Harsh Winter – How to be Prepared Damage to building and property can come in a number of ways. Flood damage is one such way. Flooding from natural causes and flooding from water leakage from within the building are the two common ways through which a building can experience flood damage. As a property owner keeping your property free from flood damage is not easy. Especially if the cause is due to a natural disaster such as a storm or during the rainy season. But in most cases, you as a property owner can do a lot to keep your property free from flood damage. Here are a few pointers to keep in mind. Tips for Avoiding Flood Damage Every winter there is a huge depository of snow everywhere. All this snow is eventually going to thaw out and start flowing as water come spring. It is during this time that you can also experience sudden heavy showers. This does not bode well for property owners. But you can take a few preventive measures from limiting the damage to your property. Keep the area around your home snow free as much as possible. Even if there is snow which cannot be dislodged, make sure that the drainage when it happens leads away from your house into the rain water gutters. The rain water gutters and drain spouts need to be debris free otherwise you are looking at a potential water backup and flooding. Any drainage that happens should happen away from your house. If you do find any debris or obstructions that could prevent water from being carried away from your house, make sure you clear it well in advance. In addition to ensuring that the rain water gutters are debris free, you also need to monitor your home drainage system. Ensure that flood drains outside your house as well as roof drains are open and allow water to flow freely. It is always advisable to install water alarm and flood sensors to keep your home flood free. So anytime there is any kind of water damage, you can be alerted well in time before the situation goes out of control. Check your foundation walls, basement, and roof for damage or cracks. Once snow starts melting, the water will find its natural course. However, any damage to your roof, foundation walls can allow water to seep in leading to damage. The basement is one of the first and easiest places to be impacted by flood damage. To avoid this ensure your basement has a sump pump. This will pull out all the excessive water around the foundation and drain it outside. Make sure however, that the sump pump is in good working condition and has a secondary power back up. Also a basement sump pump alarm is a good investment. In case the sump pump is damaged or faulty, you will get to know quickly. Ensure you have a flood insurance. If required, especially if you are living in a flood prone zone, purchase the policy separately. Last but not the least, make sure you have the number of a water damage restoration services company on hand. If the flood damage is extensive, you will require professional intervention to deal with the situation.