In the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, we are all assessing damage to our homes and what can be done to prevent this from happening again. The instant reaction may be to install French drains and a sump pump, which is an expensive endeavor, but taking steps to prevent the water getting in, in the first place is much more preferable and can be very cost effective and efficient. Here are 3 steps you can take.

1. Drain your roof water away. I know from personal experience that a blocked gutter can cause water to overflow into a basement window well, which then pours into the basement. Depending on what trees you have overhanging your home, you may need to have your gutters cleaned twice a year, once for leaves and once for pollen and catkins. Make sure also that your downspouts do not terminate at the basement wall. Drain extensions are inexpensive and direct the water away from your foundation.
2. Look for water sources. Go outside in mild to moderate rain and follow the run off to where it is coming from. You might be getting run off from several neighboring properties and there is not much that can be done about this except to control where the water goes once it is on your property.
3. Divert the water away from your house. This might involve digging berms, drainage channels, dry wells or regrading your landscape. You may need to consult with a landscaper or drainage expert, depending on the severity. Also, do not plant anything too close to the house. Large roots can crack the foundation and restrict drainage. Seal the basement walls. Caulk around the windows, weatherstrip the doors & seal any foundation cracks. The best option is to seal the basement walls below grade from the exterior, but since this involves a lot of digging, the easier solution is to waterproof from the inside. This is not always a long-term solution, since the foundation will still be getting wet and backing up behind the interior solution. If all of the above steps are taken and water is still getting in, then the next steps are for remediation.

Water sensors. This is a simple device that detects water where it shouldn't be and sends out an alarm. If you only get an inch or so of water in your basement and are prepared to shop-vac for the duration, this might be all you need.

Dehumidifier. This is a small appliance that removes moisture from the air and the damp smell. Not great for a flood, but prevents buildup of moisture in the air. I use mine constantly in the summer, since my steam heat is very efficient in the winter at keeping the basement warm and dry. They come with a bucket that needs to be emptied, but it can also be hooked up to a drain for ease of use.

Sump pump. This is a pump installed at the lowest point of the basement and when water is detected in the pit, it will automatically eject the water away from the foundation. If your basement is very level, or has a couple of low spots, you may need a French drain which collects the water and takes it to the sump pump. You may need a French drain around the entire perimeter of your basement, and/or a second pump if your basement is large enough. If your pump is powered by electricity, you might want to consider a battery backup to keep it working if the power goes out.

Ewwww - but I had sewer back up! The city storm drains overflow into the sewer system when the storm drains are full. If the sewer system gets full too, the contents are going to have to find the nearest way out. To avoid this being in your basement, you can get a backwater valve installed on your home - a simple flap that only lets the sewage flow one way.

Once the basement is cleaned out, you have to decide to what level you might want to refinish again. Sheetrock and carpet are the worst things to get wet in a basement since the mold can set in quickly and these must be removed right away. Consider flooring that can be pulled up, dried and re-laid quickly. Don't put anything too precious down there and make use of high-level shelving. Basements in old houses were never really designed as living space and if you are going to spend the money turning it into one, spend a little extra on the options above.