Spring flood causes and flood damage
Warmer temperatures and spring rains cause snow and ice to melt rapidly, making it harder for the thawed ground to absorb rainwater. Since water has nowhere to go, it flows into lakes, streams, and rivers, which can cause them to overflow and flood basements, roads, businesses, and even homes.
Another contributor to spring flooding is ice blockages or ice dams. These happen when floating river ice accumulates in an area and stops the progress of the ice downstream. Ice blockages can slow river flows and cause flooding upstream. They can even cause flash floods if the congestion is suddenly released.
Who needs to prepare for a flood?
Everybody. Whether you rent a home, own a home or business, you can be at risk of flooding. Even if you have insurance to cover your home or business, they usually don’t cover flooding. It is up to you to ensure that you are covered if flood damage occurs. Checking out a flood map will help you understand your risks and can empower you to take steps and reduce flood damage.
How can fires increase the likelihood of flooding?
Did you know properties affected by fire are at risk of flooding? The scorched earth does not absorb water; It forms a waterproof layer and can prevent water absorption for up to 5 years. This means that even a light rain can turn into a flood.
Before a flood
If your area has received a flood warning or a flood has been forecast, you can take steps to help reduce flood damage and loss. The good news is The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) flood policy provides flood loss avoidance and will cover up to $1,000 in reasonable costs to protect your insured property. It will also cover up to $1,000 to move your insured property away from an impending flood or flood hazard. What is eligible?
- Sandbags, including sand to fill them in
- Fill to create temporary dike
- water pumps
- Plastic panels and lumber
- Boxes and packaging materials
- Cost of moving, shipping or shipping
- Labor, including your own labor or that of a family member, at the federal minimum wage. Labor charged by a professional may also be reimbursed.
- Note: Moved personal property must be housed in a fully enclosed building or protected from the elements.
If you have any questions, contact your dealer BEFORE a flood was forecast. Make sure you understand your coverage and take the appropriate steps to prepare.
Flood recovery after floods
It is important to be safe! Only return to your home after authorities say it is safe. Remember to photograph and document any damage caused by the flood before you start cleaning. There are several steps you can take to start cleaning up after a flood; however, you may need to call in professionals to help with flood recovery.
- Wear heavy duty work gloves, protective clothing and boots during cleanup. Use an appropriate face covering or mask to clean up mold or other debris.
- Persons with asthma and other lung diseases and/or immunocompromised persons should not enter buildings with indoor water leaks or visible or smelling mold growth. Children should not be involved in disaster cleanup work.
- Be aware that snakes and other animals may be in your home.
- Be aware of the risk of electric shock. Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. Turn off the power to avoid electric shock if it is safe.
- Avoid wading in flood water, which can be contaminated and contain dangerous debris. A broken or underground power line can also recharge the water.
- ONLY use generators or other gasoline powered machinery outdoors and away from windows.
Bankers also offers an active storm tracker with steps and resources on how to prepare for flooding. Please bookmark the page in your browser for easy access.
Learn more about flood insurance
Flooding can happen in any state and is the most common natural disaster. We want to make sure that you have as many resources as possible so that you are always available when needed. In our blog on how to protect yourself from accidental damage, we go into detail about what an NFIP policy is and how much FEMA provides if you have flood damage.