The ground is mostly dry in Colorado this spring, which causes significantly worse water runoff and increased flash flood risk. Contrary to intuition, dry, drought-stricken soil becomes water-repellent and compacted, acting more like concrete. This prevents water from infiltrating, leading to rapid surface runoff and higher pollution levels in waterways. Here are some tips to keep your home or office safe during spring storms.
Water drainage. Make sure the water is draining AWAY from your home and not toward the foundation. Water draining toward a house can cause serious foundation damage, mold, and basement flooding.
Check the gutters. We know you’re tired of hearing this piece of advice from us, but it’s so critical that your drains and downspouts are clean and securely in place. A little prevention can keep a basement from flooding and save home and business owners a lot of hassle.
Trim trees. Storms are unpredictable in the spring. Be sure to safely prune shaky limbs and branches to minimize potential debris that can land on your home or a nearby power line.
Spring Cleaning. Storms can come up quickly. Do you know where supplies are located around the home? Think about what you need during heavy rainfall and lightning and have supplies ready.
Check the sump pump. We get a lot of calls on flooded basements that are the result of a sump pump that failed. Please take the time to test your pump and make sure it is operable. You may even consider adding a battery-powered standby generator that can provide power to a sump pump in case of power outages.
Secure patio furniture. As the weather starts to turn warmer, it’s tempting to set all the patio furniture in place for leisurely evenings outside. Just make sure when strong winds are in the forecast, that you secure the furniture, planters and other yard items.
Emergency Preparation Reminders. Extreme weather can cause unexpected damage. Make sure you have a few things ready for action. Be sure to have easy access to flashlights (and batteries), water, and, if you have one, a backup generator. And it never hurts to go over your homeowner’s insurance policy with your agent in the springtime to ensure you have coverage for wind and water damage.
If you do need help drying out and restoring property after a storm, please give Restoration 1 a call at 720-605-2994.