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Take Active Steps to Reduce your Flood & Water Damage Risk

Water damage from naturally occurring floods & mechanical break downs cause extensive and catastrophic losses to homes every year.  But there are numerous ways you can safeguard your home from these losses, including the following:

• Your home’s drainage system should be check to verify that proper water drainage occurs.  For example, gutter downspouts should extend to the proper distance from the foundation.
• Your yard should be properly graded to slope away from your home to allow surface water to adequately drain.   French drains can also assist in the process.
• A sump pump system should be considered in your basement to keep unwanted water out to of this vulnerable part of your home.
• Periodically check your washing machine hoses since these hose failures cause millions of dollars of water losses each year.  Hoses should be replaces at the first sign of wear.  Consider upgrading to the heavy duty wire mesh hoses or stainless steel hoses during this replacement.
• Ascertain the location of your main water shutoff valve.  Water shut-off valves should be installed on water lines under toilets & sinks and water lines leading to outside faucets.

Get more personal lines insurance and risk management tips & ideas from IRMI.  Copyright 2010 International Risk Management Institute, Inc.

Contact  www.SparksIns.com  for more helpful ideas to protect your home and personal belongings.