Actions to reduce flood damage

You may be at risk of flooding no matter the season. Understand your risk and steps you can take to protect your home and property.

Action Frequency Home area
Backwater valves Install once; inspect annually Interior
Basement window maintenance Install once; inspect periodically Interior; Exterior
Clear snow and ice Regularly during winter Exterior
Eavestroughs and downspouts Install once; clean twice a year Exterior
Elevate or move appliances Once; during renovations; as needed Interior
Flood-wise landscaping As needed Exterior
Foundation maintenance Inspect annually Interior; Exterior
French drains, trench drains and weeping tiles Install once; inspect and clean as needed Exterior
Monitor a catch basin Monthly; after storm events Exterior
Move your belongings Once; as needed Interior
Property grading Inspect; maintain annually Exterior
Sump pumps Install once; test annually Interior
Water alarms Install once; test annually Interior

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2026-03-23