The short answer
Secure Your Home's Exterior
A primary defense is inspecting and fortifying your roof and siding before storm season. Check for loose or damaged shingles and replace them. Ensure all windows and doors are properly sealed and consider installing storm shutters. Trimming tree branches away from your house also prevents them from breaking and puncturing your roof or siding during high winds.
Clean your gutters and downspouts thoroughly at least twice a year. Clogged gutters cause rainwater to overflow, which can damage your roof, fascia, and foundation. Extend your downspouts so they discharge water at least five feet away from your home's base. This simple step directs runoff safely away from your property's most vulnerable areas.
Manage Yard Drainage and Landscaping
Proper grading is essential for preventing water from pooling against your foundation. The ground should slope away from your house for at least ten feet. If you notice low spots in your yard, fill them with compacted soil. In regions with dry soil, these measures help manage sudden, heavy rain that the ground cannot absorb quickly.
Consider installing a French drain or a dry well in areas that chronically collect water. These systems capture and redirect subsurface water away from your home. Use water-resistant mulch in garden beds near the foundation, and choose plants that tolerate both dry conditions and occasional heavy moisture. Strategic landscaping acts as a natural barrier against water intrusion.
Protect Critical Indoor Systems
Know the location of your main water shutoff valve and ensure everyone in the household can operate it. This allows you to stop the water supply quickly if a pipe bursts during a freeze or if flooding is imminent. Inspect your sump pump if you have one, testing it by pouring water into the pit to confirm it activates and pumps out.
Check appliances like your water heater, washing machine, and dishwasher for signs of leaks or worn hoses. Consider installing water leak detectors near these appliances and in your basement. If you have a basement, move valuable or sensitive items off the floor onto shelves, reducing what could be damaged if water does enter the space.
- Locate and label your main water shutoff valve.
- Test your sump pump regularly, especially before predicted storms.
- Inspect and replace old washing machine supply hoses.
- Install water alarms in the basement and near water heaters.
- Elevate electronics and important documents off basement floors.
- Seal cracks in your basement walls and floor with hydraulic cement.
Prepare for Power and Sewage Issues
Power outages during storms can disable sump pumps and cause food spoilage. Having a battery backup for your sump pump is a critical safeguard. Keep a supply of batteries, flashlights, and a portable power bank for phones. If you rely on a well pump, remember you will lose water pressure without electricity, so store extra drinking water.
Severe storms can overwhelm municipal sewer systems, leading to backups into homes through floor drains. Installing a backwater valve on your main sewer line can prevent this costly and unsanitary problem. Also, avoid running dishwashers, washing machines, or taking showers during intense rainfall to reduce the load on your home's drainage system during peak flow.
Create a Readiness Plan and Kit
Develop a family emergency plan that includes where to meet and how to communicate if separated. Keep important documents like insurance policies, identification, and property records in a waterproof, fireproof container or digitally in a secure cloud storage. Review your homeowner's insurance policy annually to understand your coverage for flood and storm damage. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.
Assemble an emergency kit with essentials to sustain your household for at least 72 hours. Include non-perishable food, water, and basic tools. If you live in an area with temperature extremes, prepare for those conditions following a storm. Having these items ready allows you to focus on safety and initial damage assessment without immediate scarcity concerns.
- Store insurance documents and photos of valuables in a waterproof container.
- Assemble a 72-hour kit with water, food, and basic supplies.
- Include a battery-powered radio for weather updates.
- Plan for pet needs, including food and carriers.
- Keep basic tools like a wrench for shutting off utilities.
- Have tarps and plywood on hand for temporary repairs.
Water damage does not wait
Every hour counts once water gets into floors and walls. One call starts the response.
Call Now (208) 537-2633Frequently asked questions
Does homeowners insurance cover storm damage cleanup?
Coverage depends entirely on your specific policy and the cause of damage. Wind and hail damage are often covered, but flooding typically requires separate flood insurance. You must file a claim promptly and document all damage with photos. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.
What should I do right after a storm passes?
First, ensure it is safe to go outside, watching for downed power lines and structural damage. Then, document any damage to your property with photographs for insurance. If you find water inside, remove what you can safely and promote airflow. For significant damage, contact local water damage pros for assessment.
How can I prevent mold after storm water gets in?
Mold can begin growing within 24 to 48 hours. The key is rapid drying. Remove standing water, wet carpets, and saturated furnishings. Use fans and dehumidifiers to dry the area thoroughly. If dampness persists or the affected area is large, a mold assessment by a qualified professional may be necessary.