Flooding Can Happen Anywhere

2/27/2017 (Permalink)

According to the National Weather Service (NOAA), "Approximately seventy-five percent of all Presidential disaster declarations are associated with flooding." NOAA lists the most common flood hazards in the United States as:

• Flash Flooding


• River Flooding


• Storm Surge and Coastal Inundation from Tropical and Non-Tropical Systems


• Burn Scars/Debris Flows (Caused by Wildfires)


• Ice/Debris Jams


• Snowmelt


• Dry Wash (Caused by heavy rainfall in dry areas)


• Dam Breaks/Levee Failure

Just because you haven't experienced a flood doesn't mean you won't in the future. In fact, 20% of all claims paid by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) were for policies in low-risk communities. On average, floods cost $3.5 billion in annual losses in the U.S., and commercial flood claims average more than $75,000 (NFIP). 

Flooding can happen fast in many environments. The American Red Cross recommends having the following list of items packed and ready to go in the event of an evacuation due to flooding.

• Water - 3+ day supply; one gallon per person per day


• Food - 3+ day supply of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food


• Flashlight


• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)


• Extra batteries


• First Aid kit


• Medications (7-day supply) and medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane)


• Multi-purpose tool


• Sanitation/personal hygiene items


• Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, deed/lease to home, birth certificates, insurance policies)


• Cell phone with chargers 


• Family and emergency contact information


• Extra cash


• Emergency blanket


• Map(s) of the area


• Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)


• Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)


• Tools/supplies for securing your home


• Extra set of car keys and house keys


• Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes


• Rain gear


• Insect repellent and sunscreen


• Camera for photos of damage

When catastrophic water damage happens to you, SERVPRO of Quincy can help. We can help you prepare ahead of time with an Emergency Ready Profile (ERP), or respond to any size disaster to begin cleanup and restoration to get you back in business as soon as possible. SERVPRO of Quincy can make it "Like it never even happened."