In college, I lived in a place that was prone to flooding. Rainy season arrived like the start of NBA - except it was far from thrilling. Instead of falling asleep to the pitter patter of rain, we usually got the feeling of the ominous. Our eyes would be glued on this corner of the floor, and when water started seeping through, we'd groan and our eyes would roll. We knew we were going to end up with another flooded basement.

A flooded basement was interesting in a way. Swamp like and murky, with all the little creepy crawlies that emerge from nowhere - it created a certain ambience. You could twirl your ring and whisper, "My precioussssss" and really internalize it. I used to get a kick out of floating paper boats in the basement. It never made up for a dry basement though.

The leading cause of a flooded basement is the failure of the sump pump. A sump pump drains water that accumulates in the sump pit - a hole usually found beneath the basement where drainage from rain and home are funneled. If sump pump failure isn't the cause, other possible culprits could be a burst water pipe, a failed water heater, or valves leading to outdoor pool lines or sprinkler systems that haven't been shut off.

To be on the safe side, don't float paper boats in a flooded basement like I did. You should never step into a flooded basement. Always look around to see if there are any electrical appliances plugged in. If possible, switch off the main power supply that feeds the whole house before inspecting the basement. If your home is prone to flooding, it's a good idea to keep any expensive items out of the basement. Heating and cooling systems should be mounted on the basement walls or installed in upper levels. If you feel it's a waste not to use the basement space, home furnishings and appliances could be placed on platforms or blocks that raise them from the floor. A flooded basement can be a costly occurrence and investing in flood insurance is a good option.

Prevention is always better than cure. Before purchasing or building a house, check out the flood risk status of the surrounding area - not just yours. A slope of 2% or more in the area will draw water down the slope and away from your house. If you are purchasing, inspect the basement and see if there are any water level markings on the walls. Check out the edges of the floor for signs of moisture. Recent water level marks and moisture indicate flooding. If you can afford it, have a sump pump installed. Most of all keep alert. Waterproof your basement by repairing any cracks and holes in the floor and walls. Apply a waterproofing coat to the basement. Clean and keep your drains free from debris. Always maintain your home and don't make carelessness the source of your flooded basement woes.