Spring Flooding Prep for Michigan Homes

After a long winter, the arrival of spring is welcomed by residents of Michigan. However, with the end of winter comes melting snow, which can cause flooding and water damage to your property.

With the last snowfall typically occurring in early April, now is the time to start preparing. To help you get started, the Revive Restoration team is here to offer advice on preparing for spring flooding.

How to Prepare for Spring Flooding

Preparation is your first and strongest line of defense against spring flooding. Taking the time to prepare can mitigate or even prevent the damage caused by spring flooding. By taking these simple steps, you can keep your home safe and dry all season long.

1. Clean Out Gutters

As snow melts and spring rains arrive, clear gutters are essential for directing water away from your home. Leaves, twigs, and winter debris can clog the system, causing water to overflow and pool near your foundation—leading to basement flooding. Take time this spring to inspect and clean your gutters to keep water flowing freely.

2. Move Valuables Out of Flood-Prone Areas

Your basement or garage is a great place to store belongings you need but don’t regularly use. Depending on where they are stored, these items can be susceptible to water damage from spring flooding in these areas.

If you know your basement or garage is prone to flooding, move items out of those areas to a more secure location. Alternatively, use waterproof containers, like plastic totes, to store any items that need to be kept dry.

3. Basement Waterproofing

Basements are particularly prone to spring flooding. While it may not be possible to entirely prevent flooding from occurring, you can waterproof your basement to help reduce the risk.

Sealing cracks and applying waterproofing solutions help to do this. Also, consider installing a sump pump or other drainage device to remove water that does find its way into your basement.

What to Do if Spring Flooding Occurs

Spring flooding is an inevitable part of life in Michigan as the previous winter’s snow melts when the temperatures warm up. When this type of flooding does occur, there are steps you can take to minimize the damage to your property.

1. Assess the Damage

Determine how much water has flooded your space and what has been damaged in the process. Document this damage with photos and other evidence. This can help you if you choose to make an insurance claim, as you will be required to provide proof of the damage. It can also help you determine the extent of repairs needed.

2. Clean the Affected Area

Spring flooding can leave behind a mess. Failure to handle water damage promptly can lead to further issues, like mold growth. To clean up after a flood, you should:

• Remove any standing water from the affected area.
• Discard water-damaged items that cannot be restored.
• Disinfect items that came into contact with floodwater.
• Dry out the affected area with fans and dehumidifiers.

If you do not feel comfortable cleaning up floodwater yourself, consider hiring a restoration company, like Revive, that specializes in water damage mitigation.

3. File an Insurance Claim

Many homeowners’ insurance policies cover damage from spring flooding. You should contact your insurance company ahead of time to determine your coverage. If this type of damage is covered, file a claim with your insurance promptly so you can get the benefits you’re entitled to in a timely manner. A restoration company, like Revive, can help you work with your insurance on these types of claims.

4. Attempt to Salvage Belongings

While some items cannot be restored after water damage occurs, many can be with the proper cleaning and restoration techniques. A contents cleaning and restoration service can help you do this.

After they take inventory of your belongings, they will take what can be salvaged to their facility to be cleaned and restored. Once this process is completed, they will safely return your belongings to your possession.

Prepare for Spring Flooding in Michigan Now

Preparing for spring flooding is something homeowners in Michigan need to consider as early as possible. Take steps now to safeguard your belongings and mitigate potential damage, and remember, if you are dealing with flooding or water damage, reach out to Revive Restoration. We have the knowledge and expertise to handle flooding of all kinds, making us a leader in water damage restoration for over 20 years. Reach out today for an estimate on our water damage mitigation services!

Mitigate Spring Flood Damage in Michigan With Revive

If your property has been impacted by spring flooding, call Revive Restoration. We can be at your home or business anywhere in the state of Michigan whenever you need us to provide fast, effective service. To request an estimate on our water damage mitigation services, contact us online or by phone at 248-372-1930.