With peaking El Niño conditions, weather experts are predicting heavier than normal amounts of precipitation for many areas in the Southwest. Some ideas that might help you avoid a claim.
- Proper maintenance is key. This includes keeping gutters free of debris, ensuring downspouts are clear and water drains away from the foundation of your home. Also, be sure to check the soundness of flashing around chimneys and other roof protrusions, as well as caulking around windows and doors.
- Strong El Niño storms may be accompanied by high winds. Improperly maintained trees and items such as patio furniture, grills and lawn equipment could pose a hazard for you and your property if not secured properly.
- If you have a sump pump, make sure it is in good working order and consider installing a battery backup system in case of power outages.
- In El Niño conditions, flooding can occur far from rivers and streams. In my own neighborhood we had such a problem. A covert up the street was plugged by debris and what was typically a peaceful spring fed stream became a fairly aggressive creek- and with the block of it’s typical route, it discovered a new path through the neighborhood flooding many homes that had no idea that they were in jeopardy of such a peril. As a reminder, flood damage is not covered under a standard homeowner’s policy. Consider purchasing flood insurance and discussing flood coverage with your agent or insurance representative. There are relatively inexpensive policies available to homeowners who live in low risk areas.
Good luck and stay dry!
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