It’s not hard to fall in love with fall. However, it’s easy to overlook a significant part of sweater weather season.
According to FEMA—the Federal Emergency Management Agency—every region of the United States is at risk for winter flooding. In fact, floods are the number one natural disaster in the United States.
So what makes this time of year particularly susceptible to potential flooding? And what can we do now to prevent and prepare for a flooding situation?
What Causes Winter Flooding?
It’s easy to focus our attention on any upcoming ice or snowstorms. But it’s also crucial to watch out for signs of potential flooding.
Here are some of the primary causes of winter flooding for homes and businesses.
Frozen Pipes
When water pipes are exposed to cold temperatures, the liquid inside of them can freeze and cause pipes to burst. The pipes along exterior walls or in crawl spaces are most at risk.
You can help prevent water damage caused by broken pipes by insulating and wrapping your pipes with special pipe insulation or towels.
Snow Melt
A sudden thaw can make snow and ice melt quickly—causing a significant amount of water runoff in a short period of time. However, the ground still remains hard and frozen which makes it almost impossible to absorb runoff water. The water then runs from the surface of the ground into rivers, lakes, and streams and can lead to dangerous flooding.
Because flooding from snowmelt is unavoidable, it’s important to make necessary preparations to your home. It’s also important to have a 24/7 on-call water damage restoration provider handy in case of an emergency, like Chem-Dry of OKC/Edmond.
Ice Dams
Heat from your home can rise to the attic, warming ice and snow on your rooftop. When melted snow reaches the edges of your roof and your rain gutters, it re-freezes, causing a dam. These dams continue to grow and block additional snow run-off. This build up of water can eventually flood your roof, attic, and walls.
You can help prevent ice dams by either installing an electrical heat strip along the edge of your roof, or adding extra insulation to your attic to prevent too much heat from escaping. It’s also important to make sure there’s adequate ventilation in your attic and exit points for the hot air to escape.
Ice Jams
If temperatures stay low for an extended period of time, the surfaces of rivers will freeze. When the water level rises or a rise in temperature causes a thaw, this surface ice can break into chunks. These large ice pieces can jam at man made obstructions like bridges or natural obstructions, causing severe flooding.
In the case of an ice jam in your area, call Chem-Dry of OKC/Edmond immediately. We’re available 24/7 to help with water damage carpet cleaning and flood damage restoration.
Prepare For Winter Flooding
In addition to the suggestions above, there are a few other key precautions you can take to prepare for winter flooding.
If you don’t have one already, purchase a flood insurance policy for your home or business. If you do have a flood insurance policy, review it and become familiar with what it covers.
Make an emergency kit and have an emergency action plan for your family and/or employees. Keep important items in a water proof place and maintain a supply of water and non-perishable food.
If flooding does happen, take photos of your home and your possessions as quickly and safely as possible for insurance purposes.
Know Your Local Water Damage Restoration Specialist
The risk of winter flooding is real, but you don’t have to deal with it on your own. Find peace of mind by utilizing emergency flood damage services and water damage carpet cleaning with Chem-Dry of OKC/Edmond.
We’re available and ready to respond in case of a flood emergency! (405) 771-2009
For a quick response to your winter flooding emergency, contact us immediately. Our trained flood damage restoration team is ready to act fast—day or night—to help restore your home in the Edmond, Oklahoma area.