Flood-Proof Your Valuables: Tips For Avoiding Water Damage
Although the weather has been quite warm this October, it’s time to weatherproof your home. We’ve already experienced local hurricanes and according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, New Jersey will see a cold and snowy winter.
While it can be difficult to completely protect all of your valuables from water damage, understanding what types of containers are best, which items have priority, and how to begin planning for flooding are all important considerations for addressing risk.
Relocate & Cover Furniture
Remove furniture and relocate it to a place where it is less likely to be damaged by water. Any furniture in the basement should take priority, but relocate furniture on the main level of the home as well. Monitor the weather conditions and know when to begin relocating if the flooding is coming from the outside in. If flooding is caused by a burst pipe, a leak, or overflow within the home, take immediate action and relocate furniture. Once this is done, you should cover the furniture in a plastic covering to help keep water out. Depending on the circumstances, this may not entirely preserve the items, but it can reduce damages.
Secure Documents
Water damage to documents can be permanent, so you should do everything possible to avoid this scenario and protect documentation at home. Waterproof safes are a good option to help protect documents from water damage as well as keep them generally secure. Many safes offer fire and water resistance, so consider investing in this helpful home addition to store valuables–in particular important documents.
Seal & Store Electronics
Electronics can sometimes be the most expensive things we own besides our homes. As always, relocate any electronics from basements and disconnect them from power supplies. If a flood is likely to happen in your area soon, shut off the central power. Beyond this, place electronic equipment in resealable plastic bags, put them in airtight containers, and relocate them to secure locations far away from water.
