So, okay, our cleanup was fast and furious!  Take it from us, the water will come in from every way possible, but you can help matters by keeping drains near your garage door clear and by making sure any drywells are not clogged outside your home.

If you do flood, you should immediately call companies like ours to prevent more damage.  Then call your insurance company.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Home Safety Council recommend that you prepare for flooding, even up on a mountaintop where microbursts, like the one that hit Westchester County in late June, can flood the highest altitudes.  According to FEMA, a well-equipped disaster supply kit should include:

•• Water:  1 gallon per person daily for 3 to 7 days.

•• Food:  3 to 7 days' worth of nonperishable or canned food, a manual can opener, and granola bars.  Make sure you have protein, such as protein bars, among these items, especially for growing kids.  A camping supply store will have a cook stove for coffee and tea and to heat soup and other canned foods that need cooking.

•• Bedding:  You need blankets and pillows for each person, plus extras for any neighbors, if needed, and sleeping bags for padding, even on summer nights.

•• Clothing:  Although the outside temperature may be warm, you may be working and cleaning.  To help protect your skin, include pants and long-sleeved shirts, especially when cleaning a wet basement full of dirty water, perhaps.  Keep some rain boots on hand even through the summer.

•• First-aid kit:   At the very least, have hand sanitizers, antibiotic cream, and bandages on hand.   Some gauze and scissors may be useful, too.

•• Cash:  Keep some cash, including small bills, in your supply kit in case the banks are closed.