How to Reduce Flooding Damages from Hurricanes

When a hurricane strikes a particular area, people aren’t only concerned about the wind speed but they are also worried about the storm surges and flooding. Many have died because of the rise in water levels due to the heavy rainfall, and the past 4 decades have seen how thousands of people have died in the number of powerful hurricanes that hit the country, such as Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Andrew, and Hurricane Charley.

Flooding damages from hurricanes are to be expected because intense rains trigger the rise in water levels in nearby coasts, rivers, dams, and creeks. Residential and commercial areas with poor drainage systems also have to contend with clogging, often worsening the flooding condition, which causes homes and buildings to be drenched in water at least several inches high.

Flooding brought about by hurricanes has been attributed to the high number of deaths due to drowning. People who were stuck in their vehicles and even those who were in their homes died because their cars and homes were submerged in water.

What You Can Do• First of all, you need to find out if you are living in an area considered to be a potential flood zone. If at all possible, stay away from such areas just to give yourself and your loved ones better protection against the dangers of flooding. However, if relocation is not possible, you can also elevate your home and check with the local floodplain regulations for building requirements.

• Secondly, install safety measures in your home or building property. You can set up shutters, keep gutters and downspouts clean and free from debris that cause clogging, and you can also build interior and exterior floodwalls. These structures will help prevent water from entering homes and buildings.

• Thirdly, you should be updated with local weather conditions. Reading the news, watching news update on TV, and listening to the radio can keep you abreast of any turbulent weather coming. If advised to evacuate, heed the advice to avoid putting yourself in harm’s way. Moving to a safe area must be done immediately.

• Lastly, to protect you from the aftermath of flooding damages from hurricanes, it is always wise to have flood insurance. Hazard insurance like these would cushion property owners from the headaches of having to cover the cost of property repairs and replacements. The insurance company will also pay for flooding cleanups. You could save thousands of dollars in damages if you have the appropriate cover.