With temperatures rising, suddenly it's sodden

The snow left behind by the huge storm that caused havoc for millions of people last week poses a new problem. With nowhere to go, water from a sudden thaw or rain storm can seep into basements causing more damage, warns the Federal Emergency Management Agency. A flood of just one inch in a 1,000-square-foot home can cause $10,600 in damage, according to FEMA?s flood-damage calculator. Since most homeowners insurance doesn't cover flood damage, FEMA recommends buying a flood insurance policy through the federal government?s National Flood Insurance Program (our Money Blog has more on this). Do it soon because there's a 30-day waiting period for new customers. There are also some things you can do to prevent water from getting into your home or at least minimize the damage if it does. Here's what the experts at Consumer Reports and FEMA recommend. Some tasks you can perform yourself while others require a professional. Remove any large piles of snow near the house paying special attention to areas around basement windows and window wells. Moving the snow just three to five feet away from the foundation can reduce problems. Make sure your downspouts as well as gutters are free of ice and clogs and that they carry the water several feet away from the foundation. If necessary, you can easily attach low-cost plastic extenders but make sure the extender is sloped so water flows freely and doesn't freeze. Examine, clean, and test your sump pump by pouring water into the pit. The drainage hose should carry the water well away from the house. Make sure your unit has a battery backup and keep a spare one on hand. Don't have a sump pump? Consider installing one if you've had problems before. Install an inexpensive one-way valve in your main sewer or waste drain to prevent backlogs. (This FEMA video shows how.) Elevate your water heater and washer and dryer on pieces of pressure-treated lumber or masonry and take note of the model numbers. Label the circuits in your electrical panel so you can quickly shut off power to outlets in flooded areas. Seal any cracks you spot in your foundation walls?or seal the entire wall with a waterproofing compound?to avoid seepage. Replace electrical outlets with ground-fault-circuit interrupters to avoid the risk of electrocution. You may also want to have an electrician move your outlets above possible water levels. Move anything of value, sentimental or otherwise, to a higher floor. ?Gian Trotta

Source: http://blogs.consumerreports.org/home/2011/02/how-to-keep-water-out-of-your-basement-fema.html

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