Security Tip Saturday

It's rained every day since last Saturday, and rain is in the forecast for the next week here in the 'Ville, with the exception of Monday when I go back to work; it's supposed to be clear and sunny that day.  But I digress.  With all of the rain we've had there's flooding in a lot of areas in and around Louisville.  Here's some tips from the fine folks at the Department of Homeland Security on what you can do to hopefully avoid flooding in your home.

1. Be aware of flood insurance policies already in place, and if no flood insurance is present, consider purchasing a policy that will cover damage related to a flood. Many people are not aware of a lack of flood insurance coverage in existing homeowner’s policies.


2. Fix all leaks immediately. Leaky roofs and cracks in the foundation of a home not only weaken the structure, but also create a breeding ground for dangerous mold. In addition, close all foundation cracks using masonry caulk or hydraulic cement.

3. Invest in a flood alarm. Many alarm companies offer flood detectors as an add-on feature. For homeowners that don’t already have wireless security systems, there are also a number of do-it-yourself security system companies that offer flood sensors. In addition, homeowners may want to consider installing a home automation system. This way, if a flood is detected while a homeowner is away, the home automation company will be alerted. This can be useful not only if a natural disaster strikes, but also if water is left running in a home. Home automation systems can save a homeowner thousands of dollars in damage by preventing an actual flood from occurring.

4. Keep drains and gutters clear and free of debris. This will allow water to drain away from a home, rather than collecting, particularly during a time of heavy rain.
5. All electrical components in a home should be raised to a level that is at least 12 inches above a home’s projected flood elevation. This includes sockets, switches, breakers and wiring systems.
6. Keep an inventory of all valuable household possessions. It’s best to create a catalog using a digital camera or camcorder, because traditional printed photographs can get lost or also be damaged during a flood.

7. Invest in a sump pump. Sump pumps can be a very valuable asset in case of flooding. It’s best to choose either a battery-powered sump pump in case of an electrical outage, or also have a back-up battery-powered pump in addition to an electrical pump.

Stay safe.