Melting Snow and Spring Flooding

Although there might be some lingering snowfalls left in March, the third month of the year is when most of the snow begins to melt and increase the risk of flooding.

Many of us look forward to Spring as the end of winter. However, with warmer weather comes melting snow and an increase in rain showers. The risk of flooding is elevated this time of year. Damage from Spring flooding can be costly for the homeowner.

Make sure that you are prepared to take steps to prevent floods and that you are covered in the event that they occur.

How can I try to prevent flooding?

1. Pay Attention to Ground Cover As March comes around, pay close attention to ground cover if your home is prone to water in the spring. Keep watch on dropping temperatures and melting snow. When the ground is still frozen, water running on top of the ground can settle against your home’s foundation. The water can then get into the basement or runoff to a point of lower elevation on your property. Too much drainage can cause soil erosion and result in problems with spring planting.
2. Keep Gutters Clean in the Fall Gutters and Downspouts should be thoroughly cleaned in the fall in order to prevent a clog. Clogs can cause water to run over the drain spout, which can cause snow to melt unevenly and ultimately erode the ground beneath.
3. Relocate Snow If you have a buildup of snow piles close to your home, it is imperative to relocate the snow before spring melting occurs. The closer to your home, the snow piles are, the more likely it is to melt and ultimately make its way into your home. Avoid this altogether by relocating snow before a problem occurs.
4. Proper Landscaping Proper landscaping goes a long way in flood prevention. Re-grading the landscaping surrounding the home to ensure that water will drain away from your home instead of running toward it is a smart prevention step.
5. Inspect and Maintain Home Feel confident and have peace of mind knowing that your home is in good shape. Hire a professional to do an in-depth inspection of your home to find any vulnerabilities where water damage can occur. They can also provide detailed recommendations on how to remedy any concerns.

What do I do if flooding occurs?

Unfortunately, flooding is still possible regardless of the measures you take to prevent it. Be sure that you have proper tools and can respond quickly to avoid damage due to flooding in your home. It is good practice to have a generator, a wet/dry vac, and fans. Your homeowner’s insurance policy may cover some kinds of water damage, but damage due to flooding is not covered. Flood insurance is a separate, particular policy that is purchased in addition to your standard homeowner’s insurance policy. We can evaluate your risk level and determine the proper coverage needed for your location and home.

In Summary

It is always better to be safe than sorry. Have the coverage that you could need to have peace of mind in an emergency. Take steps required to prevent possible flooding and be ready in the case that it does happen. At Wiswall Insurance Agency, Inc., we believe everyone deserves access to agents who have the experience and skill needed to provide sound advice and information so that consumers can make informed decisions regarding their coverage. Our diverse team will work together to ensure that you are well cared for in all of your insurance needs. Meet with one of our agents today to discuss your flood insurance needs.