Of all the various types of water damage problems that you can experience, none are more dangerous than flash floods. Unlike small leaks that develop over long periods of time, or even “normal” flooding, which can take hours or even days to occur, flash floods occur rapidly, with little or no advance notice, sweeping across the countryside and causing enormous damage to life and property. It therefore becomes extremely important to know what to expect in the event of such an occurrence.
More people are killed as a result of flooding than any other water or weather related event, with 80% of those deaths occurring in vehicles, people who made the foolhardy attempt to drive through flood waters and were swept away.
Flash floods may occur for a variety of reasons, but you should be particularly aware if your area has been experiencing heavier than usual rainfall for a period of several hours, or steady rain over a period of days.
Also, rapidly rising water in streams or rivers can be a telltale warning sign of an impending flash flood.
If you are camping, do not pitch your tents in any low lying areas, as ravines or gullies can fill with rain water and become rushing torrents within minutes. The last thing you want is to be caught be a fast moving flood while you are asleep.
If you are leaving the area in your vehicle, it cannot be stressed enough….Do NOT Drive Through Flood Waters. It only takes six inches of moving water to knock a grown man off his feet, and two feet of moving water can float and relocate a car. Also, remember that flooded roads may conceal the fact that the road itself isn’t there anymore.
If your vehicle stalls, abandon it and move to higher ground. In the case of flash flooding, you may only have minutes or even seconds to save your life. Cars can be replaced.
Don’t try to outrun a flood on foot. You will lose. Move immediately to higher ground.
Be especially vigilant at night. Darkness can often make the danger unrecognizable.
If possible, have a radio with you so that you can be informed and prepared when it comes to rapidly changing weather conditions. The national Weather Service will issue flash flood warnings as deemed necessary, to be prepared to evacuate and follow their instructions to the letter. Your life may depend on it.
When the evacuation order comes down, leave. Trying to ride out a flood is suicide. Take your loved ones and move immediately to higher ground. Do not make any attempt to return to your home until the flood waters have receded and the all clear has been given by local emergency management.
Also, the damage caused by water can be overwhelming and traumatizing to any home or business owner. In fact, you may find yourself wondering if things will ever be normal again. That’s where Water Damage Local.com comes in. Our providers are available 24/7 and ready to handle all of your flood damage restoration needs, from water extraction, to carpet cleaning and mold removal, even the necessary structural repair that may be required to return your property to its pre-loss state.
Remember, be safe. And call the professionals at Water Damage Local.com.
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