Flood damage prevention flood damage prevention
Here’s how not to meet Classic Restoration and Reconstruction.

We are here to help with flood damage prevention. But if you would prefer to not need our help in the first place, we have some helpful suggestions for avoiding water and fire damage at your Tampa Bay / Pinellas County home or business. Some of these suggestions may seem to be simple common sense and a bit obvious, but you may be surprised to know how many people forget the ounce of prevention and end up paying the pound of cure.

Beat the Big Blow

If you have lived in the Tampa Bay Area for more than a week or two, you likely know how fast a storm can come on and how hard the wind can blow and the rain can fall. Avoid damage and water intrusion by making sure items which may take flight, like umbrellas and patio furniture, are secured before the winds come. If you will be away from home, secure all such items. Otherwise, not only are your windows at risk, you could be libel for damage or injury if a neighbor takes the hit.

Yes, we get hale in Florida; sometimes big hale. If the weather turns, best to get your car covered. flood damage prevention 

Keep your trees and shrubs free of lose and weakened branches. Otherwise, one may arrive though your living room window during a big blow. flood damage prevention

Thunder storms and resulting winds in Florida are legendary in their force. Avoid leaks and water damage. Window storm shutters are a good idea, for sure.

During strong storms make sure your garage door is down and secure. Best to lock it down to avoid damage and water intrusion.

Waive Your Right to Water Damage: Flood damage prevention

First, know where and how to shut off the valve to your main water line. And make sure every member of your family or all employees know, too. This is the first place to get to in the case of, for instance, a burst pipe or even a bad leak.

Keep a sump pump on your premises. After shutting off your main water line, in the case of flooding the sump pump is the next go-to item to prevent water damage. (But be very careful of electrical cords and wet floors.)

Make sure your gutter drain conduits run clear (point away from) your foundation. Heavy and consistent flows can lead to water buildup and possibly seepage into your home or business space. Water damage can lead to rot and mold.

Install a sewer backflow valve if you have not already. Sewage backup and flooding is the worst kind of water damage.

Clear gutters of all leaves and other debris. If your roof pools with standing water, you could be in for big trouble and substantial water damage down the line.

Keep your roof in good condition. In the case of bad leaks or a major failure, not only will you suffer big water damage, your insurance company may deny the claim based on your negligence.

Check and if necessary replace caulking around doors and windows. You might not even notice water seeping into your walls. Next comes mold, rot, bad odors and possibly even respiratory problems.

Where There is No Fire There is No Smoke flood damage prevention flood damage prevention

Keep your smoke alarms in good working order. Even better, have a monitored smoke alarm installed in your home or business. That might even qualify you for a discount on your insurance.

Don’t overdo add-ons to your electrical outlets. And if you do use ‘power strips’, be mindful of the load you are placing on it. Spend a few more dollars for a good quality power strip with a fuse and surge protector to avoid overloading and fire damage.

If your home still uses a fuse box, don’t overload the capacity. Meaning, don’t put a higher capacity fuse in to replace a lower capacity. It might even be time to upgrade to a safer system and do a wiring check, while you are at it.

Don’t ever dig on your property without being aware of the location of below-ground gas or electrical lines. Otherwise, you may be at risk and you are libel if you damage a gas or electrical line.

Do not use an uncovered light bulb in a closet. A 100-watt bulb can radiate 150° of heat. That’s a fire hazard.

Keep gas-powered equipment, like lawn mowers, in a well ventilated space away from any source of heat, sparks or fire.

Never allow anything even remotely combustible near a fireplace, especially a wood-burning fireplace. Have your chimney inspected before the cool season arrives and the fireplace goes in regular use.

That’s it. So don’t call us (at 727-400-4729).

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Classic Restoration and Reconstruction, a building, construction and bio-hazard removal contractor fully licensed, insured and bonded within the state of Florida, primarily services the Florida cities of Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Tarpon Springs, New Port Richey, Clearwater, Port Richey, Holiday, Odessa, Oldsmar and Hudson.

Classic Restoration and Reconstruction is a private business owned and operated by Florida native, Michael Huss. Learn more about us.

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