Floods Destroy: Prevent, Protect, and Respond!
Ways to Prevent Floods and Sewer Backups, Protect your Property, and Respond if an Event Occurs.
PREPARE for flooding and sewer backups.
- Floods in your home can be caused by a number of events- including street or overland flow of rainwater, clogs or breaks in your private building sewer, or sewer backups from the public sewer.
PREVENT flooding and sewer backups by using the following mitigation techniques:
- Clean your gutters. Remove leaves and debris that can clog gutters and drains.
- Ensure your building sewer is in good working order. A building sewer is the underground sewer pipe that connects the plumbing in your home to MSD’s public sewer. Property owners are responsible for keeping building sewers clear of clogs and breaks.
- Purchase and install a sump pump with battery backup. A sump pump will gather water runoff and pump it to the exterior of your home, away from your foundation.
- Install new foundation drains.
- Waterproof your basement.
- Change the slope of your yard away from your house.
PROTECT your home from flood damage.
- Obtain flood insurance and/or a sewer backup rider on your insurance policy. Review your coverage annually. Discuss your coverage plan and/or options with your private insurance.
- Consider elevating and anchoring appliances.
- Store important or sentimental possessions out of areas that are prone to flooding.
- Keep pets out of basement. If your basement frequently floods, keep pets safe and remove their cages, toys, and feeding dishes out of the area.
- Photograph and document items in your basement. Before a flood event, take pictures and complete an inventory of your possessions. Documentation of your property will be useful during the insurance process post-flood.
RESPOND after a flood or sewer backup.
1. Call your insurance agent.
2. Contact a cleanup contractor.
3. Document your property damage. Photograph the affected area and create an inventory list of your personal property that is damaged or destroyed.
4. File a claim with your insurance agent.
2. Contact a cleanup contractor.
3. Document your property damage. Photograph the affected area and create an inventory list of your personal property that is damaged or destroyed.
4. File a claim with your insurance agent.