Flash floods are incredibly dangerous and can come seemingly out of nowhere. These powerful surges of water can result in serious damage to property and even loss of life. Awareness is important during weather events that may cause flash floods. If your home is in an area where flash floods can occur, you should know the signs to look out for and how to secure your home and protect your loved ones and pets.
Signs of Flash Floods
Flash floods typically come after a bout of heavy rainfall. They can also be caused by a dam or levee being compromised or failing. The key rule of thumb is “turn around, don’t drown.” This means that if a flash flood occurs in your area, do not attempt to travel through it by car, on foot, or even in a water vessel. Flash flood waters are incredibly swift and are often carrying large debris like vehicles, trees, and more. In some severe cases homes may be swept away.
Important considerations during flash flood adjacent weather conditions include:
- Listening for news of dam or levee failures.
- Watching for slow-moving storms that repeatedly move over the same area.
- If you see water is collecting in pools, this is a sign the ground is oversaturated with water and that flooding can occur.
- During flood watches, do not park your car near a river or on a street that you know floods. As land turns from fields or woodlands into roads and parking lots, it loses its ability to absorb rainfall.
Flash floods are more likely to occur in areas with little to no vegetation, such as areas that have recently been the site of wildfires. The burn scars provide the perfect environment for water to freely flow. If you live in an area that has recently burned, be vigilant for flash floods.
Securing Your Home
It’s dangerous to be traveling during a flash flood. It is recommended that you go to the highest point of your home if a flash flood occurs. For some this may be the second floor of the home, but for others it may be the roof. Remember: property can be replaced – your life cannot be.
If you have cars that can be parked in a garage, do so. Otherwise, park them away from any rivers or standing water. If you have enough time, turn off your water, electricity, and gas to avoid any fires, gas leaks, or additional flooding from damaged utility lines.
Keep an eye on any alerts from the National Weather Service and follow any directions they may give closely.
What to Do After a Flash Flood
If your home has been in the path of a flash flood, chances are you are in need of flood restoration. As soon as the flood waters have subsided and local leadership determines that it is safe to do so, call your local restoration company. If you are located in Southern California, give S&S Restoration a call. We have experience in flood and storm restoration, especially flash floods. We have the tools and experience to handle your home restoration from start to finish – including the insurance claims process. Don’t let a flash flood disrupt your life, give S&S Restoration a call and we’ll restore your home to better than before.
About S&S Restoration
S&S Restoration is a Temecula, California restoration company that specializes in both residential and commercial buildings affected by fire, flooding, mold, and storms. We proudly serve the Inland Empire, San Diego, High Desert, and San Bernardino County areas. Give us a call at (800) 608-8447 or visit our website at ssrestorationinc.com, we’re available 24/7 for emergency response to guarantee the best outcomes.