Unexpected Flooding During Dry Seasons

7/13/2021 (Permalink)

If you live in Washington State you know the wet season is no time to take the weather lightly. Flooding can realistically happen any season. A common issue we see in summer is unexpected flooding and difficulty for the ground to absorb water. Flood damage can be one of the costliest disasters that may strike a home, putting possessions and building materials directly in harm’s way. Flooding can often be mitigated or entirely prevented through proper preparation. Reference these useful tips to help avoid storm damage even when you are not expecting it.

How Floods Occur

You may wonder why your house can shrug off some rains but not others, but the answer is often further from home. Heavy downpours can create a variety of treacherous situations:

• Too much rain or melting snow for the soil to absorb becomes excess runoff.
• Nearby bodies of water overflow from too much rainwater.
• Waterways can become blocked and containment systems like dams can fail.

Because these factors are outside the realm of individual control, it’s important to address those flooding risks you can impact around the home.

How To Prevent Damage

A major key to keeping your property safe is advance preparation. Many of these recommendations may even be part of your normal routine already:

• Don’t let storm drains on your street become clogged. Dispose of yard waste and ensure other debris does not collect, particularly ahead of expected rainfall.
• Keep your downspouts clear. Even a single storm can create blockages, allowing for water to back up and create flood risks from above.
• Address potential runoff issues. Cisterns and rain barrels allow for collection of excess rainwater around the home. Absorbent rain gardens and use of permeable paving materials can also lessen storm-related impact.

Most flood damage recovery professionals recommend a proactive approach versus reacting to an existing problem. Keep a sharp eye on potential threats all around your property, from gutters to drains. Preventing flooding in Lynnwood, WA does take effort but will be worthwhile in the long run.
Visit http://www.SERVPROlynnwood.com for more information on storm damage.