How Much Do You Know About Floods? | SERVPRO® of Eastern Rockland County

4/24/2023 (Permalink)

Did You Know? 

Floods are one of the most common and widespread natural disasters in the United States. Whether you home or business is near a coastline, along a city street, in the mountains, near a river or even in a desert--there is always a potential for flood  damage. 

Floodsmart.gov reports, in the last 5 years, all 50 states have experienced floods or flash floods. 

The 4 Most Common Causes of Natural Flooding

Heavy rainfall. Storms with excessive rainfall, or storms that sit and rest over an area for an extended period can cause flash floods or river flooding. Urban areas are more at risk for rain floods, because the higher percentage of concrete and asphalt means there’s a lack of soil to soak up all that water.

Oceanic activity. Storm surges, hurricanes and rising tides can cause water levels to rise in waves, which can invade coastal communities and wreak havoc. In September 2021, remnants of Hurricane Ida tore through New York and New Jersey. In Rockland, 85 people were rescued from submerged cars during the storm. Several roads had to be closed, and Orange and Rockland Utilities Inc. reported nearly 1,500 power outages during that time.

Dams and levees failing. The most notable example of this in recent history would be the disastrous levee breaks during 2005’s Hurricane Katrina. Levees and dams fail when cracks occur or excess pressure overtakes the dam’s ability to contain the surge of water behind it.

Snow-melts and ice dams. In areas of the country where heavy snow and prolonged freezing temperatures are common, snow and ice can build up over a winter’s time, and when they start to melt, they cause rivers of water to flow through area communities. Ice dams or ice dams happen when rivers become blocked by built-up ice being carried downstream, causing the banks to overflow.

If a flood does strike your home or business, contact the Professionals at SERVPRO, even minor floods can lead to major damage when not treated quickly and properly. Cleaning up after a disaster yourself is often an overwhelming task.

SERVPRO of Eastern Rockland County Technicians have the training and specialized equipment to dry hard to reach places such as between walls and hardwood floors.  It's not only the equipment but the technology too. SERVPRO has developed DryBook, a proprietary tool that provides real-time documentation and updates on the drying process and helps ensure industry drying standards are being met.

Regardless of the cause of the flooding, SERVPRO has the tools and teams to help your home or business recover from its disastrous effects. Contact us anytime when flooding or water damage makes a mess in your life.