Spring thaw: a term that is no stranger to New Hampshire (NH) residents, but what exactly does it mean? How will it impact your Portsmouth, NH home or business? When should you prepare? According to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), spring thaw typically occurs during the early spring months, when increasing temperatures give way to melting snow and ice. Since the ground is still frozen during this time, the melting snow cannot be absorbed into the ground; therefore, runoff from bodies of water (lakes, streams, ponds, etc.) can cause quick flooding and costly damage to structures. Is your home or business prepared for the annual NH spring thaw? If not, you may need to prepare to cleanup after a flood.
 

Are You at Risk of Flood Damage?

 
Living in the Granite State places you at a higher risk of experiencing disasters from the yearly spring thaw, so what should your home or business expect? According to FEMA, just a few inches of water can equate to thousands of dollars in damage, with the average flood claim cost nearing a whopping $35,000 in 2010. Homes and businesses located in a flood zone, below ground level, or near bodies of water may experience runoff and flooding more severely than its common structure counterparts. Knowing the risks and what precautions to take prior to the yearly spring thaw may save you the need to cleanup after a flood and the costly corresponding repairs.
 

Water Damage Prevention is Key

 
NH property owners know the drill: drain the sprinkler system before the winter months, ensure all pipes are insulated to avoid an unexpected pipe burst and bring all lawn furniture in for the winter. Although you are set for the frigid months ahead, are you prepared for what comes afterwards? The yearly spring thaw is no stranger to Granite Staters, but is your home or business adequately prepared for what comes once the temperatures begin to rise? A few precautions to help you get through the spring thaw without devastating flooding and costly damages are:

• Ensure your home owners insurance is up-to-date and includes flood insurance.
• Have a sump pump handy or have one installed in the basement to pump out unwanted water.
• Check all windows and doors for leaks and broken seals that may allow water to seep through.
• Check for any cracks or holes in the structure’s foundation.
• Ensure any flood drains are up-to-date and working properly.
• Remove any low-lying items from the basement or garage, in the event that a flood does occur.
• Check the structure’s roof for cracks, holes or damage that can allow water to leak through.
• Ensure any snow build-up around the structure is removed.
• Verify the grading around the structure, as water should be promoted to move away from the structure.

Visit the FEMA website to learn more about how to protect your home or business this spring!

To Cleanup After a Flood, Call Soil-Away!

Discovering a flood disaster can happen at any time for NH home and business owners. We understand that no one ever wants to cleanup after a flood. The experience can be frustrating, but we want you to know that the experts at Soil-Away are here to make things less stressful. Soil-Away is a family-owned and operated business that is IICRC master-certified and has over 25 years of water and flood damage cleanup experience. We work closely with your insurance company during the remediation process to ensure a smooth process, so you can get back to the things that matter most. Contact the flood damage cleanup experts today at 603-641-6555.
 
Written by: K. Gnatowski