Understanding Different Forms of Natural Water Disasters

To plan for natural water disasters, you first need to know about the types of flooding you are most likely to face in your environment. Each type of flood has a different type of impact on the environment, the damage it can do, and the kind of protective measures you will need.

We’ve rounded up 3 types of natural water disasters that the average homeowner is most likely to face.

River Floods

River floods occur when the water level in a nearby river, stream, or lake rises and inundates the neighboring land. The water level may rise for several reasons that are usually attributed to snowmelt or heavy rain.

River floods can cause widespread damage because the overflow can affect smaller rivers, which can then overburden dams and break dikes while also swamping surrounding land.

To figure out if and when a river flood occurs, meteorologists consider a range of factors including flooding models, current river levels, precipitation levels of the region dating back several months, forecasted precipitation, and soil conditions.

The intensity of a river flood depends on the volume and duration of rainfall in the river. The type of land also determines the impact of a flood. In the case of mountainous or hilly areas, floods can occur in a matter of minutes after heavy rain, drain rapidly, and cause massive damage. In flatter areas, floodwater rises at a slower rate and tends to be shallower, but it stays on land for several days.

It is worth noting that the frequency and intensity of floods have increased in recent years due to the rising sea levels, which were reported to be 13 inches higher nationally than in 1920.

Flash Floods

Flash floods are carried by repeated thunderstorms that move over the same area or heavy rains from hurricanes and storms. These floods occur independently of nearby rivers or water bodies and are made worse by man-made obstructions that restrict the movement of water. Add to this the rapid urbanization of cities and it’s easy to see why flash floods have become a frequent occurrence.

There are two types of flash floods:

Surface water floods – these occur when heavy downpours overwhelm urban drainage areas and water flows out into the nearby streets. This process takes time and there is enough time for people to move to safer locations. The water level is usually shallow and there is no inherent danger to human life, outside of damage to infrastructure and loss of finances.

Flash Floods – They are caused by extreme amounts of rainfall in a short period. Flash floods may also occur because of the sudden release of water from nearby dams. There is great destructive power in flash floods because of how forcefully the water moves, causing widespread damage.

Coastal Floods

Coastal floods are freak natural disasters that usually along the coast of seawater. Common causes of major coastal floods are heavy rains, storm surges, and heavy waves that occur during coastal storms.

Storm surges are very frequent and have the potential to cause damage. They are created by high winds from windstorms and can easily cause the inundation of nearby land areas. The impact of coastal floods depends on various factors such as the height of the tide, as well as the strength, size, and speed of the windstorm.

With coastal floods, water can overwhelm low-lying land and cause severe loss of life and property.

What You Should Do After a Flood

Natural water disasters can happen anywhere and at any time. It is important to prepare for these events to ensure the safety of your family, property, and valuables.

Contact Your Insurance Company

First things first. Contact your insurance company after the flood subsides. It’s worth noting that the average home insurance policy does not always cover flood damage repair. Consider buying flood insurance if you live in high-risk areas. Flooding can occur anywhere, which is why every homeowner should get one.

Repairing a home after a flood can be very expensive. You want to get all the financial help you can get. If you already have flood insurance, take photos of your home before starting the up process. You will need accurate documentation when filing claims with the insurance company. Your water damage restoration company in Mahoning Valley may be able to help you out with this process.

Take Measures to Protect Yourself

Don’t enter your home just because flooding has stopped. There may still be dangers lurking in the shadows. Check the home for serious damage that could cause accidents, such as broken ceilings and cracked foundations. Do not use heavy electronic appliances such as microwaves, especially if the flooring and carpet are still wet.

If you spot mold, do not touch it with your hand. The floodwater will be contaminated with bacteria that could cause health problems, so try to wear protective clothing such as an N95 mask and boots.

Call a Water Damage Restoration Company in Mahoning Valley

It is important to find help from an expert to determine the extent of water damage in your home. Water damage restoration experts in Mahoning Valley will check everything, from cracks in the foundation of the house to the roof.

Water damage can also seep into the walls, drywall, and ceiling. It can damage the insulation system as well as electrical wiring. You may have to call an electrician to check up on your electrical wiring before you can use appliances again.

Begin the Drying Process Immediately

Start the drying process right away because floodwater is often contaminated with germs and bacteria. It may not be possible to clean your carpet thoroughly and you may have to remove them. In general, porous material will have to be removed while most non-porous surfaces may be salvaged after sanitizing everything.

You are also advised to use dehumidifiers and air movers during the restoration process. Water damage restoration experts in Mahoning Valley will use these tools to reduce the buildup of moisture.

Knowing what to do after a natural water disaster can help you perform damage control and ensure the safety of your family. Remember, flooding can occur anytime, anywhere. Take steps to minimize damage and act promptly after a flood to minimize expensive repairs.