Preparing for a potential flood caused by a hurricane
September 2, 2010
Floods can be devastating, and given the natural power of water from sudden storms or overflowing rivers it might well seem like there’s very little that can be done to prevent damage if the worst occurs. While it’s true to some extent that floods inevitably lead to damage, being aware of the potential effects can lead you to some very constructive precautions. One of the leading causes of flood damage devastation is hurricanes and tropical storms. The combination of winds over 100 miles per hour, surges from the ocean and torrential rain can quickly lead to a major flooding disaster.
Considerations
It’s wise to think carefully about the risk your home is under from the potential effects of flooding. Visiting local city building officials and engineers can provide very valuable information about past floods and whether the location of your home puts it at risk. Insurance is one major consideration. Having the correct insurance against flood damage can be vital if you’re affected. Insurance can mean the difference between replacing lost items and getting your home repaired or the prospect of losing everything.
Hazards
Those affected by flooding should not assume that the worst is over when the water stops rising. Risks from electricity supplies, the onset of mold and the possible escape of dangerous gases are all very real dangers. Structures can be made unsafe and contaminated waters can be extremely dangerous to our health. In the event of serious flooding it’s imperative to know where to go to find safety. In times of flooding there should be recognized evacuation routes to follow and homeowners should know never to enter flooded areas.
Precautions
It’s imperative to learn the extent to which your home is at risk from flooding, but it’s important to remember that the nature of tropical storms and hurricanes mean that most of us are at risk to some extent. Basements are the parts of our homes where water is most likely to gather if there’s a flood. While it would be impractical to avoid keeping anything valuable in our basements, it’s worth considering just what flooding could do. One common sense precaution when flood damage is imminent is to move very precious items to floors that are further from ground level and less likely to suffer damage. Remember though that mold is insidious and that flood damage is not limited to the immediate aftermath. It’s important to know where supply pipes are located, and where they can be closed.
Experts will be required for most of the work if flooding occurs, but insurance and some basic precautions can easily save a lot of heartache.
