Living in Florida, we’re no strangers to strong storms, high winds, and yes, water. Whether it’s due to heavy rains or storm surge following a hurricane, water damage can destroy your property. Doing everything you can to prevent water damage after a hurricane is crucial to protecting your home and belongings – and having an adequate flood insurance policy in place is essential for times you can’t. Below we offer some effective water damage prevention tips all Floridians should put on their to-do list no matter the time of year.
Water Damage Prevention Checklist
Prepare your home for hurricane season by taking care of these maintenance and prevention tasks.
- Look at your landscaping – Proper drainage away from your home’s foundation is a must. You want a slight slope to your grading so water drains away and not toward your home. Take care not to plant trees or shrubs too close to your foundation either.
- Maintain your roof and gutters – Have your roof inspected regularly and for sure after any big storm. If you identify leaks, fix them asap. Another essential maintenance task to prevent water from damaging your home is to keep your gutters and downspouts clear. Consider adding downspout extensions to ensure water is flowing far enough away from your home.
- Implement hurricane protection measures – Have a plan for when storms are in the forecast. Ensure all exterior openings are properly sealed and prep an emergency kit with tools, tarps and other essentials. Depending on how close you are to the ocean, be prepared to sandbag, and don’t wait until it’s too late to do so! These preparation steps can greatly reduce the likelihood of water coming into your home. A little upfront effort can save you thousands. Additionally, make sure to take photos and videos of your home – both inside and out – to document your home’s status before the storm hits.
- Manage humidity levels – Keeping humidity levels in check is key to preventing mold growth when there is moisture or water in your home. Use dehumidifiers in damp areas and ensure proper ventilation, especially in places like bathrooms and kitchens.
- Stay on top of plumbing issues – If you notice a leak or a drip, call a plumber to fix the issue promptly. Installing water detection devices near appliances and under sinks can alert you to any problems. Also be sure everyone in your house knows where your main water shut off valve is located so it can be quickly closed in an emergency.
Preventing water damage in your Florida home requires regular maintenance, vigilance and preparedness. Whether it’s storm season or not, following these tips can significantly reduce the risk of water damage in your home. And if you do experience water damage to your property, call us first at Kandell, Kandell & Petrie for help with the insurance claims process. We have more than 50 years of combined legal experience in Florida, and our priority is to ensure you can build back up again as quickly as possible if you do sustain damage.
To learn more about water damage and hurricane insurance claims in Florida and ask your questions about insurance law, contact our team at Kandell, Kandell & Petrie.
