Flooding - A Very Common Occurence

3/19/2020 (Permalink)

According to the National Weather Service (NOAA), “Approximately seventy-five percent of all Presidential disaster declarations are associated with flooding.” NOAA lists the most common flood hazards in the United States as:

• Flash Flooding
• River Flooding
• Storm Surge and Coastal Inundation from Tropical and Non-Tropical Systems
• Burn Scars/Debris Flows (Caused by Wildfires)
• Ice/Debris Jams
• Snowmelt
• Dry Wash (Caused by heavy rainfall in dry areas)
• Dam Breaks/Levee Failure

Floods are one of the most common and widespread natural disasters in the United States. Whether your home or business is near a coastline, near a river, or even in the desert, there is always potential for flood damage. Fema.gov reports in the last five years, all 50 states have experienced floods or flash floods.

Just because you haven’t experienced a flood in the past does not mean you won’t in the future. In fact, nearly 20% of all flood insurance claims come from moderate-to-low risk areas, and even just one inch of flood damage in an average home can cost you up to $27,000 worth in damages.

According to the American Red Cross, floods cause more damage in the U.S. every year than any other weather related disaster.

The American Red Cross offers the following flood safety tips.

• Stay away from floodwaters. If you come upon a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, stop, turn around, and go another way. Six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep you off your feet.
• If you approach a flooded road while driving, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.
• Keep children out of the water. They are curious and often lack judgment about running water or contaminated water.

If a flood does strike your home or business, contact SERVPRO® of North Morris County  franchise professionals. Even minor floods have the potential to cause major damage to a structure when not treated quickly and properly, and the cleanup is often an overwhelming task. SERVPRO® of North Morris County’s team is prepared to handle any size disaster. When fire and water take control of your life, SERVPRO® will help you take it back.