Winter weather in Hawaii is significantly different from the rest of the nation. Although somewhat milder in comparison, our winter storms have the potential to produce heavy rainfall which can result in hazardous flooding.

Last year, flooding caused major damage to residential properties on Kauai and East Oahu. Constant rainfall saturates the ground and homes in areas not prone to normal flooding can face major water damage.

What should you know and do to protect your home from potential flood damage?

Before a natural disaster strikes, you should always keep an inventory of your personal possessions, backed up with photos and/or video. This can be invaluable when processing an insurance claim in the aftermath of flood or storm damage.

Keep the documentation in a waterproof container stored as high as possible and away from rising water. You should also put a backup copy in a safe deposit box or other secure remote location. That way, you’ll have more than enough evidence to support an insurance claim for damage caused by water or severe weather.

A leaky roof can cause a lot more damage to your house than unsightly water stains on the ceiling. Roof leaks keep attic insulation wet, which can lead to rot and mold.

The unseen damage caused by roof leaks is often worse than what meets the eye, so it’s important to have it fixed as soon as possible. Having a reputable roofing contractor inspect your roof, check for undetected leaks, and make any needed repairs can prevent more costly damage down the road.

It’s also important to make sure to keep your gutters clean and to check regularly for leaks to make sure that they drain properly.

In addition, inspect your downspouts, remove any clogs, and use splash blocks or downspout extension pipes to make sure the water is directed well away from your house foundation to prevent erosion or ponding.

If you have a second floor or an attic, moving furniture, photographs, and artwork to a higher level will protect your possessions in all but the most severe floods. Elevate HVAC (heating, ventilating/ventilation, and air conditioning)equipment when it’s being installed, if possible, to a height of 12 inches above the highest known flood level for your area.

Sump pumps let you pump water out of your home and can be a quick and excellent defense against flooding. Battery-powered sump pumps are a relatively inexpensive solution.

Fully document the damage for your insurer by taking photos or video prior to removing any water and making any repairs. Digital photos are best because they can be stored electronically and easily copied and transferred.

Remember to plan ahead before the winter storms arrive!