Flooding can happen in many different ways, and the weather isn’t always a factor when it comes to flowing water. Manmade disasters like busted pipes or faulty appliances can also cause serious damage to your home. Thankfully, these situations are often a bit easier to recover from because they can be tracked down and corrected faster. Floods from overflowing waterways, heavy rains or roof leaks can often lead to more destruction, especially if they happen during a severe weather event.

We are at a moderate flood risk in the Hayward area due to our tendency to experience heavy rain and our close proximity to Hayward Lake and other waterways. Understanding your property’s personal flood risk can help you create your own flood prevention plan.

Even if your property is not in a designated flood zone, it is still important that you understand how your property reacts when it rains. If you live in a low-lying area or have a yard that slopes toward your home, adding extra drainage or a rain garden can help your basement stay dry. Simple things like adding extra length to your downspouts can also go a long way toward protecting your home.

Our community is blessed with heavy tree coverage, but that also means that your gutters are vulnerable to becoming clogged or blocked with debris. Investing in gutter covers can help keep the rainwater moving through your gutter system the way it needs to. Get in the habit of getting on your roof after a storm to check your gutters and shingles for damage.