Do you live in an area that is prone to flooding or has the potential to do so? If so, there are some extra steps you should take to ensure that your items aren't damaged during a flood. In many cases, homes can be restored, but the contents of the home end up being tossed in a dumpster during a rapid clean-up effort. Here you will learn a few tips that can help to ensure that your most precious items are protected in the event of a flood and lessen the losses that you experience.

Get the Right Storage Bins

You might think that your things are protected while stored in the basic plastic bin with a snap-on lid, but those lids will leak or pop off in a flooding situation. You must purchase storage bins that are weather-tight. They are made of durable plastic with a rubber seal that goes around the opening and buckles that hold the lid tightly in place. Ziploc makes a variety of WeatherShield storage boxes that will fit many of the items that you want to protect.

Note: Don't rely on the vacuum sealed bags to keep things safe. Although they are very effective in reducing the amount of space your things take up, they can get damaged during a flood and allow the dirty water to leak inside.

Rent a Storage Unit

Items that are truly irreplaceable or too large to fit into the weather-tight storage bins should be moved out of your home and into a storage unit. Look for a storage unit that offers great security measures, that is close to home, and that is up out of flood zones and other potentially disastrous areas, like heavily wooded areas that could catch fire.

When storing your items in a storage unit, you want to be able to access what you want when you want it. In most cases, your precious items should be stored in a climate-controlled unit. Electronics, wood, upholstery, metal, and other delicate items should never be exposed to high heat or humidity. Storage units that are climate-controlled will maintain a regulated temperature year-round and remove the potential of warping, rusting, and damage caused by extreme temperatures and moisture.

Many flood-prone areas are beautiful and make for an enjoyable living environment, but you don't want your enjoyment today to put the things that you cannot replace and cherish the most in danger of being destroyed. These two tips will help you protect your items so you have them for as long as you choose to.

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