Prevention / Article 20
Storm Prep for Water Damage: The Before-the-Rain Checklist
The best storm loss is the one prevented before rain arrives.
Situation snapshot
The problem in plain English.
The best storm loss is the one prevented before rain arrives.
Start with safety and source control. Then work through what can dry, what needs removal, what should be documented, and where professional mitigation or remediation should take over.
Action order
Move through it in the right sequence.
- 01Clean gutters and extend downspouts.
- 02Test sump pumps and backup power.
- 03Protect documents and valuables.
- 04Know shutoffs and evacuation guidance.
Risk check
What changes the seriousness.
Watch for
Forecast flooding, blocked drainage, sump failure, or prior basement water history.
What the pros look for
Pros can evaluate drainage, crawl space risk, basement entry points, and emergency response planning.
Source backed
