Preparing for Flooding Can Save Your Home and Wallet

Snow has melted at a reasonable pace thanks to fluctuating temperatures in recent weeks, but the record amount of snow in January has shown the unpredictable nature of New England weather. If April provides similar wet weather patterns, homeowners across the state could see heavy basement flooding this spring.

“We have gotten lucky a bit. When snow packs down three feet deep as it did, there is always potential for flooding but we’ve been fortunate to see a gradual meltdown and it appears that will continue for the next two weeks,” said Gary Lessor, Southington resident and assistant director of the Western Connecticut State University Weather Center.

Lessor also warns that it is very difficult to predict weather beyond two weeks and one major storm event that brings heavy rains and three or four inches of water could make flooding a concern once again.

“You can’t predict what will happen a month from now and everyone should consider taking precaution to prepare for the worst,” he said.

Preparing for a flood can be a difficult task, but there are steps you can take to prevent significant damage and minimize the unwanted water that could build up in your basement. 

If you live in an area that is prone to flooding, one of the best ways to prevent a flood from ruining your life, and finances, is to carry an insurance policy that covers potential flood damage according to Flood Smart, the official site of the National Flood Insurance Program. 

Flood insurance policies vary, according to Media Relations Specialist Thomas Hambrick of The Hartford Financial Group, and local agents can help you find a policy that will fit your needs.

“Coverage for flood damage is available from the federal government under the National Flood Insurance Program but is sold by licensed insurance agents,” Hambrick said. “Flood coverage is excluded under homeowners’ policies and many commercial property policies.”

Gov. Dannel Malloy has also sent out a warning to homeowners this year reminding them that if they do not have insurance, they should purchase a policy as soon as possible. Flood insurance takes about a month to take effect and damage before it is in place can result in uninsured losses.

For a list of agents in your area, visit the Flood Smart website to use its agent locator.

Avon Volunteer Fire Chief Michael Trick said Connecticut residents in areas where flooding could become a problem should also take steps outside purchasing insurance to protect their home. Homeowners should move any valuable objects such as important documents, electronics and other items that could receive water damage from their basement before a flood happens.

Outside the home, residents should also clear away snow and ice that has built up near the house so it does not melt directly into the house. Homeowners and tenants should also consider purchasing a sump pump to help alleviate any flooding from the moment it starts to prevent excess water from building up.

While sump pumps are a great tool to have, Southington Water Pollution Control Superintendent John DeGioia and staff with the Metropolitan District Commission, which serves the greater Hartford area, remind residents that it is illegal to pump the water into the sewer system and doing so can cause overflow into town pipes, causing back-up and spilling into neighborhood homes. 

If precautions are taken then many serious floods can be avoided, said Trick, but there are always exceptions. If water begins to fill beyond two inches, it can create health hazards and safety risks, including compromising oil burners and furnaces.

Homeowners and tenants should call 9-1-1 if water begins to encroach on an oil burner or furnace, or if there are other hazards such as water reaching an electrical panel, Trick said.

“If people are unsure if it’s an emergency, they shouldn’t hesitate to call and ask for help,” Trick said. “We would much rather come out and determine whether there is a problem than to have people not call and have a more serious, even dangerous problem develop.”

The Hartford and Tri-State Flood Inc., a flood remediation company that serves all of Connecticut, also suggest homeowners take a moment to review safety tips in preparation for any potential issues this spring. These tips are included below.

Why It’s Important to Monitor Flood Conditions 

Failure to remediate flooding can result in serious health conditions, even if the water is not directly affecting electrical circuits or furnaces. Tri-State Flood Inc. provides the following information on what happens during a flood on the company Web site:

WITHIN MINUTES 
- Water contamination spread to unaffected areas 
- Moisture sensitive surfaces swell and disfigure
- Furniture stains appear on carpeting and are usually permanent
- Paper goods and records are ruined
- Drapery fabrics that contain water may develop permanent watermarks.

WITHIN HOURS
- Pre-existing moisture related problems are activated, such as urine, etc.
- Drywall softens and warps
- Cellulosic browning may occur on natural fabrics
- Foam cushion (pad) can begin to disintegrate
- Bacterial odor problems begin to develop
- Wood furniture, in contact with water, can become permanently ruined due to discoloration and swelling
- Rust stains appear on carpeting and other surfaces

WITHIN DAYS
- Mildew and biological growth takes place; odors begin to permeate the structure
- Wood Floors are warped and ruined
- Glue down and double stick installations become lose
- Woven carpets installations could shrink
- Delaminating of tufted carpet is possible
- Vinyl floor coverings can permanently discolor, adhesives can break down
- Components inside pianos and organs begin to swell from moisture
- Allergies and asthma can be aggravated

WITHIN WEEKS
- Structural integrity of interior wall members, sub floors, and ceilings. Installations can be permanently damaged
- Mildew can permanently stain/damage natural materials
- Serious health hazards to occupants of buildings have developed

NOTE: Naturally the above conditions depend upon the total amount of excessive water, the humidity at the time of the water loss, the contamination with in the water and its location with in the structure

Tips For Responding To Floods

Hambrick also provided the following tips for insured homeowners on behalf of The Hartford:

- Try to control the flow and direction of water around your property or underground. A contractor can provide assistance with erecting retaining walls and diverting water flow.

- Install a sump pump; have a backup available in case the main pump fails.

- Make sure window wells at ground level are watertight. Window covers that can be bolted in place are most effective in keeping water out.

- Materials such as sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting and lumber can help protect property and prevent water damage.

- Do not pile sandbags too close to the walls of a building. Wet bags can exert excess pressure on the foundation, potentially resulting in significant structural damage.

- Keep insurance information in a safe place. This information will expedite the claim process in the event of damage. 

- If your property is flooded, document the damage and contact your insurance company as soon as possible.