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5 Great Ways To Minimize Flash Flood Damage in Mableton GA
5/19/2021 (Permalink)
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Flash flood damage is one of the most frequent and costly hazards in the United States.
The SERVPRO professionals have gotten many calls for flash flood property damage for the neighborhoods along Nickajack Creek in Mableton. We understand that flash floods happen quickly and are hard to predict.
This post is intended for any Mableton homeowner that wants to know how they can protect their property from flash flood damage or needs flood damage restoration services.
What are flash floods?
Flash flooding can be the result of many scenarios but is often the result of heavy rainfall. Those that live along the Nickajack creek will experience flash flooding when the creek rises. A raised watershed can block roadways or cause property flood damage.
Not all flash floods are the same. Flash flooding can happen suddenly and, surprisingly, without any apparent signs of rain. Flash floods are caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Excessive rain – up to 6 hours after precipitation or within minutes of it.
- Thunderstorms, tropical storms, and hurricanes all produce slow-moving, long-duration flooding.
- Failure of a dam.
- Rainfall or snowmelt that exceeds the capacity of sewage systems and drainage pipes.
Common areas that are prone to flash flood damage?
Rivers, urban areas, coastlines, and dry creek beds are all prone to flash flooding. Generally, creek and river floods occur as river basins fill too rapidly and water overflows the rivers. Even if they are comparatively far away from water, properties constructed on land below sea level are highly vulnerable.
What is the difference between a flood watch and a flood warning?
When flooding is inevitable or already occurring, a flood warning is given. However, when conditions are favorable for floods, a flood watch is issued. It's not a confirmation that floods will occur, rather a possibility. So, make sure to differentiate between the two before taking suitable preventive measures listed below.
The 5 Ways To Minimise Flash Flood Property Damage
For those that live near Nickajack Creek, there might be nothing you can do to avoid flooding, but there are steps you may take to minimize damage to the interior of your house:
- Install flood barriers and keep sandbags nearby.
- Seal your basement windows and cracks in foundations.
- Improve drainage around your home.
- Install a sump pump, flood detection system, and water detectors.
- Regularly clear debris from drains and clean gutters and downspouts.
Flood water classified as Category 3 water damage
When your property experiences flood damage from a flash flood, you need to know that insurance will classify the property damage as a category 3 water damage, which is also known as "black water." Black water is the most severe form of water damage and necessitates immediate action to avoid significant health hazards.
Properties that have category 3 water damages will have highly contaminated water in their property that may contain pathogenic, toxigenic, or other dangerous substances.
Category three water damage can result from sewage, flooding from seawater, rising water from streams or rivers, ground surface water, and other polluted water that has entered or impacted the indoor environment. It is always best to hire a team of IICRC certified professionals when your Mableton property experiences any category of water damage.
Call SERVPRO for flood restoration services.
This post discussed what a flash flood is, how it can impact your property, and ways to minimize potential flood damage. You can count on the team at SERVPRO of South Cobb when your property does experience flood damage.
Throughout the greater Atlanta area, SERVPRO of south Cobb has built a reputation as a renowned company, who has been serving clients since 1967. Our team is fully equipped with the necessary tools and certifications to handle any Mableton flood restoration job.
We truly understand the extent of damage floods can cause to a home or a business, and we know how devastating it can be to deal with it. That's why our team is ready to provide you with experts' assistance 24/7, no matter what. When you call SERVPRO, you can guarantee that your damaged property will be quickly restored to a pre-water damage state. Contact us today to speak with a flood restoration professional!