Flooding is one of the most widespread natural disasters in the U.S. In fact, it accounts for 90% of all-natural disasters stated by the President. It has caused billions of dollars worth of damage every year. Hence, it is important to be aware of the types of floods that can affect your home and how to prepare for these uncertainties.

Keep reading to know the different types of floods and how you can prepare for this natural disaster. 

The Different Types of Floods

Knowing the different types of floods will help you better prepare for the unc

1. River floods 

This type of flood occurs when the river has already exceeded its capacity, which leads water to overspill its banks.  The common reasons for river floods are heavy rains caused by tropical systems making a landfall, persistent rainfall for an extended period, and rapid snowmelt or ice jam. Though river floods do not usually result in loss of life, they can cause extensive damage to properties.

2. Flash Floods

Flash floods mean fast-moving waters that are extremely dangerous and destructive. They are caused by excessive rainfall or rapid snowmelt and can occur in a short time, generally in six hours or less. These rapid-water torrents can carry objects and cause potential damage to properties and injure people. 

3. Coastal Floods

Coastal flooding is characterized by abrupt or sudden inundation of the land along with coastal areas. Storm surges and heavy rainfall during high tide cause them. Areas with human activities and lower elevations can be significantly affected, which leads to loss of life and property damage. 

4. Pluvial floods

This type of flooding occurs in flat areas where the land cannot absorb the rainwater, which results in the appearance of puddles or ponds. This type of flooding debunks the misconception of people that you have to live near coastal areas or bodies of water to experience flooding. Pluvial flooding usually can also occur in rural areas and can seriously affect agricultural activities and structures. 

5. Urban Floods

Urban flooding does not literally mean a type of flooding that occurs only in urban areas. This is not a cause of a river that overflows its banks or a storm surge from the nearby coastal regions. Urban flooding happens when the drainage system in developed areas has exceeded its capacity to absorb the rainwater, causing the water to flow into the streets. Urban flooding can greatly affect nearby structures and properties. 

Prepare Now!

Whether it is fast or slow-moving water, an inch deep, or five feet water level, flooding can pose a danger and cause extensive damage to your property. Taking some time now to prepare for these types of floods can help you protect your family and minimize the damage. 

• Know your flood risk. 

Contact your local officials to know your risk in case of flooding. 

• Purchase a Flood Insurance Policy.

Your standard homeowner’s policy does not cover flood damage. It is best to purchase a separate flood insurance policy to prevent you from spending a lot of money on repairs in case a flood damages your property.

• Put your home’s furnace, water heaters, and electric panels in a higher area if they are located in areas prone to flooding.

If you don’t have a higher area to place them, you can put them on concrete blocks.

• Keep important documents and papers in a safe box and place it in an area not susceptible to getting damaged.

Always check important documents to see if water or any other matter damages them.

• Keep gutters and downspouts clean and free from any debris.

It will help rainwater from flowing properly to the system and away from your home’s foundation. 

• Seal windows and basement walls.

Doing this will prevent water from penetrating inside your home.  

• Install a battery-operated sump pump.

Battery-operated sump pumps are more dependable, especially in case of a power outage. If you already have a sump pump, test it to ensure that it is in good working condition. 

• If possible, install zero reverse flow valves.

Zero reverse flow prevents floodwater from backing up into the floor drains of your home. 

Contact Superior Restoration For Flood Damage Restoration Services

In case your property suffers damage due to flooding, you can rely on us. Flooding can cause severe damage to properties, and the cleanup and restoration process may require a lot of time and effort. Our team at Superior Restoration stands ready to provide you with professional and quality water damage restoration services. We are fully equipped and experienced in dealing with any size of disaster. Contact our local office, Superior Restoration of Corona, today.