Prevent Flood Damage

​Heavier than normal rains have left many Carmel and Indianapolis residents mopping up floods in their basements. With even more rain in our forecast for the next few days, here a few tips to avoid serious flood damage.

• Check your gutters and downspouts. Make sure they are properly diverting rainwater away from your home. Also make sure there are no leaves or debris clogging them, causing the rain water to wash over the sides.
• Check your sump pump. Is it working correctly, eliminating any water that is collecting in your basement? Consider installing a backup generator or battery backup for the pump. With storms causing power outages in some areas, you don’t want the pump to stop just as the storm picks up.
• Move valuables off the ground. Make sure all items stored in the basement are on shelves elevated at least six inches off the ground.
• Check basement daily. Take a few minutes after a heavy rainfall to check the basement for signs of moisture seeping into the basement. It is better to catch the problem before serious flooding occurs.