56 The Queens Courier • at home • june 11, 2015 for breaking news visit www.queenscourier.com at home 5 simple tips to prepare for flood season The No. 1 natural disaster in the U.S. is floods: Is your home ready? After a winter of frigid temperatures and record snowfalls, the nation now faces the warm thaw and long, rainy months. Flood season is officially here - is your home ready for it? Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States. Over the past five years, the average flood insurance claim was more than $35,000, according to FEMA.gov. If you or someone you know has ever experienced a flood, you know that cleanup can require a massive effort. The best defense against flooding is a proactive approach. Consider these flood tips to prepare your home and family for flood season: 1. Get a shop vac Every home that is susceptible to water and moisture should have a reliable shop vac. This type of vacuum sucks up water quickly and efficiently. Keep in mind, flood cleanup must be done quickly within the first 48 hours to avoid mold growth and extensive property damage. 2. Test your sump pump Take the time now to test your sump pump. Simply lift the float on the side of the pump and listen for the pump to turn on; that noise indicates your pump is working correctly. Next, install a water alarm that will let you know if water is accumulating in your basement. An alarm like AdvanTEXT from WAYNE Pumps sends text messages to up to three people in the event of power outages or high water levels. If you are away from home or even out of town, you can take immediate action to protect your property, rather than unknowingly coming home to a flooded basement. Visit www.waynepumps.com/preventflooding for more information. 3. Seal cracks Seal the cracks in the basement floor and foundation to prevent water seepage when the water table gets too high. Similarly, if you have concrete walls, be sure to seal those cracks as well. 4. Prepare and protect Irreplaceable items and heirlooms should always be kept on high shelving. Additionally, keep important documents in a safe place like a waterproof container. If you live in a flood-prone area, consider raising electrical sockets, fuse boxes and wiring 12 inches or more above the flood elevation. Finally, make sure gutters and downspouts are clear of debris so water can flow freely away from your home. 5. Update insurance Homeowners and renters insurance typically do not cover losses due to flooding. You must purchase additional insurance or riders specific to flood coverage, if available to you, in order to protect your property from this type of water damage. Call your insurance agent today to discuss options, and keep in mind it typically takes 30 days after the purchase of flood insurance before it goes into effect. In addition to preparing your home against floods, it’s smart to prepare your family as well. Make sure all members know how to react to water within the house. For homes with the AdvanTEXT alarm system, make sure those who receive text warnings communicate with each other and have a plan for checking the home and cleaning up excess water, if necessary, before it damages the property. Courtesy BPT We’ve got Reverse Mortgages figured out! ® Are you a homeowner? Are you 62+ years old? No mortgage payments are required while you live in your home Proceeds are Tax-Free! Get a line of credit, lump sum, or monthly payments for the rest of your life! Find out more about the benefits of a Reverse Mortgage... Call us at (718) 269-3448 and receive a free gift and information kit (including a Free informational DVD) 1st Senior Capital a division of Professional Mortgage Solutions, Inc. NMLS #148800. 62-81 Woodhaven Blvd., Rego Park, NY 11374. Registered Mortgage Broker-NYS Department of Financial Services This material is not provided by, nor was it approved by the Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) or by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). Metro Cabinet and Flooring COUNTERTOPS STARTING AT $45 PER SQ. FT. Including Installation $600 OFF FOR PURCHASES OF $5000 OR MORE Specializing in: • Kitchen Cabinetry • Floor Tiles • Hardwood Flooring • Granite and Quartz Countertops • Commercial & Residential Carpeting • FREE 3-D Design • FREE Estimate • FREE Measurement 100-07 Metropolitan Avenue, Forest Hills 718.544.2634 Fax: 718.263.2032
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