April Showers Bring May... Stormwater Property Claims?

While spring is a wonderful time to see the world come back alive after its winter nap, its arrival may bring an increase in rain events. Water damage claims have been increasing over the past few years. While stormwater is ultimately a resource, it can cause damage to buildings if not handled properly.

Since 2019, our members have filed more than 700 weather-related property claims, with more than $6.7 million in property claims caused by stormwater and flooding. Because most of these claims could have been prevented, It is imperative that you make sure that your properties are protected.

Here are some tips you can use to prepare your properties for the months ahead and utilize throughout the year:

• Where does the water go? This simple question can be easily overlooked but can turn attention to issues before they arise. For example, look at the slope of the land. Does it slope toward your building? Is there a way the stormwater can be diverted, soaked up by plants or intercepted before it runs into your foundation?
• Are your properties’ gutters clean of debris? Overflowing gutters may force water against your foundation. In addition, debris can harbor mosquitos or attract other pests that may cause damage.
• Downspouts are the termination points for most gutter systems. Do they lead away from your building’s foundation? It is vitally important that downspouts have proper extensions leading away from your foundation and other buildings.
• Stormwater runoff goes into the municipal storm sewer system. This empties into creeks and streams, and can lead to flooding, erosion or sewer overflows in a combined system. Either way, that could be bad news for you or your neighbors. If your property is in a flood zone, this may increase your risk of a loss. Finding ways to reuse or soak up your stormwater onsite may help reduce the possibility of property damage from a flood.

Work with water, not against it. There are many ways you can mitigate losses when spring showers arrive, as well as throughout the year. Be prepared and take steps ahead of time to reduce the risk of damage to your properties.

Much like being part of a risk pool, properly managing the stormwater on your property can help your neighbors as well as yourself.