Unlike hurricanes and mudslides that occur in one part of the region, flash floods can occur anywhere in the country. A few inches of standing flood water can cause severe home damage to the foundation, the roof, belongings, and much more in less time. The flash flood water can also cause health problems, injury, and death because of the objects it carries.
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What Is A Flash Flood?
The National Weather Service defines a flash flood as a sudden flooding incident occurring between 3-6 hours after a thunderstorm’s heavy rainfall. The flash flood can occur in less than 3 hours. A broken dam, broken levees, overflowing rivers/streams, and mudslides cause flash floods too. A flash flood warning tells you that a flash flood is about to happen in your area. When you see this, take precautions and get to higher ground immediately.
The difference between a flood and a flash flood is about speed. Standard floods gain so much water that they overflow dry land and sit there with nowhere to go. It takes time to cause flooding. A flash flood is a flood overflowing dry land in a faster amount of time, usually six hours or fewer.
How Can A Flash Flood Affect My Home?
The water damage from flash floods can weaken the home’s structure, cause mold and mildew, and damage belongings inside. It can also create secondary problems such as power outages, fires, and landslides. Flash floods affect sewage backups, the roof, and the basement too.
Sewage Backup
Flash floods overflow the city sewer system because there is water and debris in the drain. When the sewer can’t drain floodwater fast enough, it backs up into the home sewer line, causing water damage.
Flooded Basement
The same sewer system that’s backed up with water can enter the basement, causing water damage. A second scenario is when floodwater sits on the property. It weakens and destroys the basement each second it is underwater because the water is pushing against the basement walls and floor.
Roof Damage
Holes in the roof because of hail or poor maintenance can cause roof leaks and water damage to the ceiling structure. Standing flood water left for a long period of time can weaken the roof’s structure, cause holes, and cause leaks.
Are Flash Floods Covered by Homeowners Insurance?
Flash flooding falls under flood insurance. All home insurance companies offer flood insurance, but it doesn’t come with the policy by default. You must purchase flood insurance and a home insurance policy to get flooding and flash flooding coverage. Should you purchase flood insurance, it requires 30 days before the coverage begins on your insurance policy. From there, flood insurance covers damage to the home’s structure, detached property, appliances, plumbing, electrical items, belongings, flooring, and windows. Without flood insurance, the responsibility is yours.
Water Damage In New York
Don’t deal with this overwhelming crisis alone. If flooding occurs in your area, lean on iFlooded Restoration to repair water damage caused by flash flooding. The 24/7 immediate response service means a representative will be on the scene promptly. We will use our advanced drying equipment to dry the home and prevent mold growth.
Our representatives also have the latest tools to clean and sanitize the home. With over 30 years of experience restoring water-damaged homes, restoring flash flood homes is nothing new for us because we are knowledgeable in that specialization.
We will bill the insurance company directly so you can focus on rebuilding. If you have water damage due to flooding contact iFlooded Restoration online or by phone as soon as possible.
