In Kentucky, flood season isn’t some once-in-a-lifetime shock. Sure, it would be nice if it were, but it’s basically an annual thing, usually around January to April, and sometimes it’s in the hollers, other times it hits cities (it’s even hit Frankfort). It’s always devastating, but annually, you just know it’s going to hit somewhere. The same can be said for tornadoes, too; there are always natural disasters hitting the state.
Some towns get hit worse than others, but if you’ve lived here long enough, you know water has a way of trying to get into your home sooner or later (unless you’re lucky enough to live on a hill).
So, because there’s flood season, it does mean that when it comes to looking into your home, you’re going to have to keep floods in mind, because you just never know when it might hit. So when it comes to home-related maintenance, it’s not just mowing the lawn or giving the porch a fresh coat of paint. It’s about staying one step ahead of the water and making sure your home’s ready when flood season decides to roll through (but hopefully it never will).
Store Smarter
Just think about where you keep the important stuff. Are the photo albums sitting in a cardboard box in the basement? Is the pricey lawn equipment parked right on the garage floor? Well, those little choices are what turn a flood into something emotionally devastating (granted, it was already going to be).
So, it just can’t be stressed enough that raising storage even a bit makes a huge difference. You already know this, but plastic bins on shelves beat soggy cardboard every time. Yes, it’s not glamorous, but when water creeps in and your holiday decorations or tax files are still dry, you’ll be patting yourself on the back.
Have A “What If” Plan
It’s really awful to say, but sometimes the water wins. There’s a lot of states that deal with flooding, and even with all the prep in the world, a big enough flood can push through. That doesn’t mean your effort’s wasted, it just means recovery has to be part of the plan too. Basically, water damage restoration is often the first step to getting a home back on track after a flood.
Sure, for some homes, homeowners might be lucky enough to only have a little bit of wetness to where things need to “dry out,” but it usually doesn’t work like that. You need to call in some pros (or at least know where to look for a reliable team), so you can feel assured that your home will be fine, and that mold won’t be a problem either.
Remember, Landscaping Isn’t Just for Looks
Well, the yard’s not only about curb appeal. It can help control where water goes. So, if you live on a highly elevated plot of land, like on a mountain, you’ll be find mostly likely, but if you live by water, or even in a holler (especially a holler), then you need to pay close attention.
So, heavy Kentucky rain has a habit of turning lawns into ponds, but usually, smart landscaping can help (at least sometimes). For example, using gravel, adding drainage (if you can), adding slopes, and certain greenery can help soak up more water. These aren’t foolproof, of course, but these small things can help.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.
