Have you ever had a washer overflow? Or a basement that quietly filled with water when the sump pump failed? Have you ever had a pipe burst in the basement? I've had two of the three, and I hope we won't have to live through any of that again. Some of the things which could be damaged by water are on pallets because my basement is STILL not organized, but more than four inches of water, and I'm in trouble.
I found the neatest tool! The Sonin Water Alarm is a device that sets off an alarm when there is too much water in an area that should be dry. It has a remote sensor. You attach the alarm to the wall, and stop worrying! (As if THAT'S going to happen....but at least I'll worry less.)
The best part about it is that it sells for $11.50 and can be ordered at Amazon.com! (No, I'm not getting a kick-back from them....I just wanted to share my find.)
Now tell me that I just made your day! :-)