Bergen County NJ Water Damage Prevention Tips 

The season for hurricanes and heavy thunderstorms is upon us in NJ,  and with that it is time to make sure your house is fortified against the heavy wind and rain summer storms produce. Bergen County NJ is no stranger to sometimes severe summer weather. At Bogle Agency Insurance we want to be sure that our Bergen County clients, and all our clients are safe and prepared for summer weather. In addition to safety concerns we also want to be sure that our customers take steps to reduce the costs of property damage and property damage insurance claims. These water damage prevention tips will help you hedge against damage and keep your home a safer place.

Bergen County NJ Water Damage Prevention Tips | Seal All Gaps

Over time, weather and aging can cause gaps around windows and doors. They can also form around water faucet pipes, gas pipes, around air conditioners, electrical outlets, junction boxes, circuit breakers, and electric and water meters. If water gets through these gaps, it can cause significant damage and costly repairs. To seal these gaps before water has a chance to enter, apply caulk to the area.

Bergen County NJ Water Damage Prevention Tips | Redirect Pooling Water

Pooling water near a house can lead to significant interior damage.

• Make sure grading leads water away from your home and not towards it.
• Add ground or French drains to help move water away from the house.
• If there are homer within 6 inches of the ground, caulk around them. Also use sandbags when a severe rain producing storm is predicted.

Install A Sump Pump To Prevent Water Damage In NJ

• Install a sump pump with a battery backup system.
• For highest level of effectiveness, install the sump pump away from the basement walls and have positive drainage away from the building.

Protect Vents And Soffits To Prevent Water Damage In Bergen County NJ

No matter which way your roof is vented, whether it be vents on the roof, gable end vents, or vents under eaves or overhangs, wind-blown rain can enter. Soffits themselves can also can also fall victim to water damage. To perform properly during high winds, it is especially important that vinyl and aluminum soffits be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation requirements for high wind conditions.

Seal Your Roof Deck | Bergen County NJ Water Damage Prevention Tips

Sealing the deck of your roof provides an added layer of protection against water damage. It should be sealed to stay in place if the primary roof cover blows off. It should also be water-tight enough to keep water out of the attic should you lose the primary roof cover.

These water damage prevention tips will help reduce the costs of repairs and insurance claims along with keeping your home a safe and secure space for your family in Bergen County NJ, or anywhere there is a threat of severe weather.

How To Prepare Your Family For Hurricane Season Bergen County NJ

Hurricanes can be one of the most damaging events that your family can face. To keep your family and home as safe as possible in these intense weather conditions, it is important to take steps to prepare for hurricane season in Bergen County NJ, and the surrounding areas.

Preparing for the unexpected takes some thinking ahead, and taking action even though these problems may never (and hopefully will not) arise. It’s unfortunately more likely than not that your family will not be all in one spot when disaster strikes. You need to come up with a plan so that you can find each other in an emergency situation, and be sure that all safety measures are covered.

15 Things You Can Do To Prepare For Hurricane Season In Bergen County NJ

1. Post emergency telephone numbers by the phone.
2. Install safety features in your house, such as smoke alarms and fire extinguishers.
3. Inspect your home for items that can move, fall, break or catch fire and correct them.
4. Have your family learn basic safety measures, such as CPR and first aid, how to use a fire extinguisher, and how and when to turn off water, gas and electricity in your home.
5. Teach children how and when to call 911 or your local emergency number.
6. Keep enough supplies in your home for at least 3 days.
7. Assemble an emergency supplies kit. Store these supplies in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers, such as backpacks or duffle bags.
8. Keep important documents in a waterproof container.  
9. Keep a smaller emergency supplies kit in the trunk of your car.
10. Practice and maintain your plan. Ensure your family knows meeting places, phone numbers and safety rules. Conduct drills.
11. Test your smoke detectors monthly and change the batteries at least once each year.
12. Replace stored water and food every 6 months.
13. Test and recharge your fire extinguisher(s) according to manufacturer’s instructions.
14. Pick two places to meet: a spot outside your home for an emergency, such as fire, and a place away from your neighborhood in case you can’t return home.
15. Choose an out of state friend as your family’s point of contact for everyone to call if the family gets separated.

You can never be over prepared when it comes to a potentially dangerous situation like a hurricane. Taking the time now to prepare can save you money, grief and possibly even save lives. So prepare your family for hurricane season today. Don’t put it off. The day may come where you will be very thankful that you did.