Rain Rain Go Away!
Lebanon County along with large sections of Pennsylvania are getting doused with leftover rains from Hurricane Ida. On social media and local news sites, pictures of flooded roadways and rising rivers are “flooding” in.
Unfortunately, it appears that we will be getting a significant amount of rain Wednesday into Thursday, reminiscent of the rains we received during Tropical Storm Lee in 2011. Many of you experienced significant water damage or had water in your basement and other areas that you’ve never had before. We learned a lot from that storm, and here are some helpful tips to lessen the impact Ida will have on your home.
- Make sure all sump pumps are operational and hoses are clear of debris.
- Clear all gutters and downspouts, and make sure they are pointed away from the house. If you can, connect a pipe or downspout extend to have the water empty at least 10 ft away from the foundation.
- Remove all personal property from low-lying areas of your home such as basements or crawl spaces. If the property cannot be removed, try to elevate items such as couches and appliances a foot or more off the ground.
- Make sure animals and pets have a safe place to go to if water levels rise.
- If you have a generator, make sure you have plenty of fresh fuel.
- Secure all personal property that is outside such as furniture, trampolines, etc.
- Move cars and motorized equipment into higher elevation areas to avoid flooding waters
- If you have a pool, be prepared to drain water out of it as the water level rises so the water is directed away from the pool’s foundation. This will help protect the pool foundation, patio, and pumps from the pressure the added water gives.
Experiencing Flooding & Water Damage?
When it rains it pours. If the floodwaters rise high enough to come into your home you are going to experience water damage. If you do experience flooding or water damage, take the following steps:
- Call 911 if you are in danger or at risk of drowning.
- Use sump pumps to remove the standing water.
- Remove all wet property.
- Use fans and dehumidifiers to dry out the area.
Be Prepared For Your Next Flood
If the rain goes away and comes another day, make sure you are prepared for that day! Get flood insurance for your home or flood insurance for your business so you are protected during the next storm. It is better to be prepared for a storm, get a free quote from Strickler Insurance!
