Flash flooding is the most hazardous weather disaster anywhere in the world because it comes with ripple effects like power outages, damage to infrastructure, landslides, health issues and even death.
Heavy rainfall in a short period of time causes water to rise rapidly, increasing the risk of flooding. Flash floods most times occur with little warning, yet flooding can also develop slowly after the rain ceases. And with meteorologists warning that there’ll be heavier rainfall in 2022, we should prepare by taking precautions.
Here’s how to prevent flooding to a minimum;
Check your roof:
Before the weather turns, be sure to check the condition of your roof. Worn or warped shingles can crack, allowing rainwater to enter your home. If you’re not good at fixing such issues, call a professional roofer and pay for an inspection. Not only will they highlight any issues with your roof, but they should also be able to give you an idea of your roof’s remaining lifespan. You don’t want to wake up one morning only to feel cold liquid up to your knee.
Clean your gutters/drainage:
The lowest portion of a property is often at the most risk of rain damage. This is because the earth surrounding your home is not as compact as it was before your property existed, groundwater naturally filters down towards your foundation, potentially corrupting its structural integrity. To control this, most homes dig gutters that are designed to capture rainwater that falls on your roof and carry it away from the home; either towards a municipal drain or far enough from the premises so it won’t affect your foundation.
When trees shed leaves, gutters often become clogged, which reduces their efficacy. So be sure to check your gutters for damage and blockages at least twice a year. Let them prove their usefulness.
Fix the sewer:
If the the constant threat of flooding is mainly caused by blocked sewers in your area, consider speaking to a plumber to help take care of it. You don’t want the sealed hole filled with water and then spilling everywhere with an unfriendly smell.
Call on the authorities:
If it happens that your area tends to get flooded and no attention has been paid to it yet, call the attention of the local authorities to it so they can come to carry out evaluation tests and if possible put measures in place to prevent such.
Now should you put these precautionary measures in place and flooding happens since you can’t control nature, here’s what you should do;
Secure your home:
If you have time, bring in outdoor furniture. Move essential items to an upper floor. Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water. You could be electrocuted.
Should it happen that your house or area was flooded, here are some things to remember in the days ahead:
Avoid moving water:
Stay away from damaged areas unless your assistance has been specifically requested by police, fire, or relief organization. If emergency workers will be assisting people in flooded areas. help them by staying out of the way.
Be on the alert:
Additional flooding or flash floods can occur. Listen to local media for warnings and information. If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, get out immediately and climb to higher ground. Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe to do so.
Stay on firm ground:
Moving water only six inches deep can sweep you off your feet. Standing water may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
Even if you don’t live in a red-alert flood zone, home floods are still possible and can be unpredictable and destructive. It doesn’t hurt to educate yourself on the causes of home flooding and what you can do to prevent flood damage. With a little short-term planning, you can save yourself a lot of long-term financial heartache.
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