KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Unprepared homeowners in Kansas City could be among those to bear the brunt of a wave of flooding washing over the Midwest.
Experts said Monday it's time to prepare yourself when it comes to high water.
"The most common things that can happen, is that during the rain season coming up here in March, April and May, the heavy rain is going to led to sump pump failures," Ryan Ulrich, owner of Restoration 1, said.
Kansas City homeowner Anthony Sealy said Monday he knows first hand the damage after dealing with a sewage backup.
He thought the damage was minor, but it ended up ruining his basement floor.
"It really wasn't that big of a deal," Sealy said. "About two-and-a-half weeks ago, we recognized there was a bigger issue."
Crews spent hours Monday ripping up carpet and other parts of his basement.
Hopefully this doesn't happen to other homeowners in Kansas City, but if it does, Sealy has some advice.
First, know where to find details of your homeowners insurance.
"Like most homeowners, when these things happen, you don't know where your policies are, who has your policy, what is your policy," Sealy said. "I would definitely make sure you have those at your finger tips."
Second and most importantly, at the first sign of water, call professionals.
"Make sure you do something quickly," Ulrich said. "If you find you have a water issue going on, don't sit on it."
If you don't, Ulrich said things can get worse quickly.
Finally, whenever you are down in your basement, inspect your home for any signs of cracks to head off problems before they turn into major issues.
