Personal Insurance Blog

After the snowiest winter I've experienced in my 17 year lifetime, I can finally see patches of grass! I truly had forgotten that Massachusetts isn't just a bleak white and gray repository of snow. It's finally sunny and temperatures are above freezing, which means the snow is melting! While this is very exciting and has been long anticipated, there are a few steps you should take to prevent your home from flooding.

Try to remove some snow from right next to your house. My mom's been kicking snow onto the driveway so that it melts faster; spreading the snow out far away from the foundation of your house will expedite the melting process and protect your basement from leaks. If your house does flood easily, you should take necessary precautions and remove electronics and other valuables from the ground or area where flooding is likely to occur. 

You could also remove carpeting and furniture from areas likely to flood. This will prevent carpets from growing mold. Check for cracks in your basement walls and foundation and seal them. You should also survey the damage around your house and remove any large tree branches that could hurt a car or a person. Make sure the hydrants and mailboxes on your street are shoveled out and free. You should always be checking your gutter for debris, and make sure no ice dams are left.

While it may be a little muddy right now, some grass is still an improvement! Get ready for spring, and be watching those potholes on the road! Contact us with any questions on whether your homeowners policy covers flooding, and browse our website for more winter safety blogs.