It’s a common mistake to think once you’re far away from rivers, lakes, or coastal areas you’re secured from flash floods. You’re not, because National Weather Service data says the majority of them are caused by strong rains, thunderstorms, or levee breaks and mudslides instead of large water bodies overflow. And in the same way as all other disasters, flash floods come without any warnings. So potentially every heavy rain should be treated as a risk for your family and property.
Heavy Rains As Main Reason for Flash Floods
Not every rainfall will cause flash floods. There’re two key factors determining the probability of flash floods: the duration (the period of rain) and intensity (the rate of rainfall). So the typical storm will not lead to a disaster.
People living in areas vulnerable to flash floods may receive the warning about upcoming rains which are risky by flash floods. Although, the warning doesn’t give any guarantee that they will have enough time to prepare and evacuate. In many cases flash floods happen suddenly, causing significant water damage in a matter of minutes, so people must save themselves the top of their cars or other high grounds they can reach.
Flash Flood Aftermaths
A regular flood caused by a not typical high level of water is highly destructive and may even lead to a catastrophe. Together with the unusual intensity of water coming it can become deadly. The relation between a flash flood and mudslides is equal, mudslides can be caused by flashflood and vice versa flash floods can be the reason for mudslides. Both are very dangerous because of a significant portion of dirt and debris gathered from ruined buildings and broken trees and often considered to be deadly.
What If Flash Flood Took You by Surprise
AccuWeather advises the following things to stay safe if you have been caught by a flash flood:
- Stay informed and notice changes by monitoring the messages from a local radio or National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration’s Weather Radio. This will allow you to know when it became safe again.
- Pay attention to evacuation alerts. Remember that safety is in the first place and do not be afraid to lose some of your property. Much more important to avoid hazards. If you hear the evacuation message related to your area, do not hesitate, and do not lose your time. Evacuate immediately.
- If you have been warned about the coming flash flood spend some time hiding your possessions inside the premises (house or garage). When it comes to large things like garden furniture which cannot be moved easily, ensure it is anchored properly.
- Choose a location and move to the highest possible point. You and your property will be safer upstairs or even on attics, so important documents and valuable things should be brought there.
- Turn off the electricity and other utility supply, disconnect appliances to avoid short circuits and fires.
- Ensure doors and windows are securely locked.
Flash Floods Recovery
The first thing to do when the hazards from flash floods pass is to ensure you and your family are safe. Check possible injuries and request medical care if necessary. Only when all a healthy any other steps are possible.
Water damage is an inevitable part of any flash flood so be ready that a significant part of your property was impacted by it. In many cases restoration work is impossible to perform without the help of third parties, and in many cases, people prefer to have rest after the stressful events and leave the property recovery to professionals.
For such cases, professionals from Signature Water and Fire Restoration team work 24/7 and do their best to help people restore their property and bring them back the normal life. You can contact us at +1-224-515-0100 and receive any necessary information about our service.