ATD Insurance

You've heard of the proverbial "cloud with a silver lining?" Well, one silver lining after experiencing a flood in your home or business is being able to actually upgrade your property during damage repairs. According to the Insurance Institute of Property Loss Reduction (IIPLR), as the rebuilding process begins, homeowners should talk to their contractors about ways they can effectively upgrade or "retrofit' their homes or other property against flooding.

Here are a few general steps to consider:

• Install check valves and sewer traps to prevent backups;
• Install main breaker/fuse box and utility meters above the flood protection level;
• Raise machinery, equipment and other contents from basement level, or elevate above floor level;
• Landscape with native plants and vegetation which resist soil erosion
• Maintain or have access to a supply of sand and sand bags and materials for building dikes, such as plywood, lumber and plastic sheathing