No doubt some Central Pennsylvanian's, and others, are totally sick of the rain and there's more to come, so this is a good time to consider liquid properties: water seeks the least obstructed path and can create enormous pressure on foundations, buried utility lines (including water and sewer), septic systems, and paved surfaces.
Just because you've never had water in your basement, doesn't mean it can't happen; especially when the ground is saturated and the water table is unusually high. And little things can make it more likely that seepage can occur - consider whether you replaced shrubs or trees near your foundation, re-graded a portion of your lot, installed a patio, driveway, or sidewalk - these can all change the path of surface water as it flows toward or away from your house. Are your gutters and downspouts free from debris and are they diverted away from the foundation?
Settling of the ground is another unexpected consequence of excessive water - as the soil becomes saturated and more fluid it tends to settle into cracks below or is carried away by run-off causing areas where puddling can occur. This can lead to increased water pressure against foundations and infiltration through and around basement walls, windows, cracks in the foundation, etc.
Advise: check your basement thoroughly during periods of extended and excessive rain for signs of water intrusion so you can take the steps necessary to protect or remove items that will be damaged if the basement floods. If you see water entering the basement, monitor it frequently to determine the potential for flooding (a little water is managable but if it starts flowing at an alarming rate, take precautions). Sometimes it's enough to elevate appliances a couple of inches off the floor to prevent water damage (especially if you have a sump pump that is working properly) - remember to place a waterproof membrane (plastic, vinyl, rubber) between the applicance base and any porous material such as cement blocks, bricks, or wood.
CAUTION: Unplug all electrical applicances and/or turn off breakers/fuses to everything that has the optential for flooding. (Except the sump pump!) NEVER stand in water and touch anything electrical. Call your utility or an experienced contractor if you find yourself in a situation where electricity and water meet - you life is worth more than the cost of a service call!
Two things to remember:
1. Sump pumps need electricity, so if you lose power - the pump won't work. In the event that it's necessary to use a generator for supplemental power, place it outdoors, away from windows and doors: NEVER in the garage, basement, or house.
2. It only takes 4" of flowing water to move a car - don't take chances with you life, if it looks like your house will be inundated by rising water from a storm drain, creek, river, or simply by a flash flood or that you will be isolated by the water and you can safely move to higher ground; Get Out before you're trapped.
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