Summer Storms and Flooding

8/13/2019 (Permalink)

Missouri River Flooding 2019

It is good to know how to be prepared for storms in order to prevent damage to your home or property. Some factors that can cause flooding include heavy rains, overflowing rivers, and melting snow and ice. In previous months, snowmelt and rapid rainfall have caused catastrophic flooding across the Missouri River and other areas. These types of water related issues can potentially cause severe damage to homes and properties. With that being said, it is beneficial to know how to properly prepare for these types of situations.

Heavy Rains

When flooding does happen, it usually has to do with heavy rains in most cases. Our home structures are designed to move water away from our homes. In some situations that isn't always the case. Sometimes those systems are overwhelmed and that water does not drain nearly as quickly as needed. In short, the drainage systems back up, and the water rises, sometimes into homes. This typically happens only in cases of sustained heavy rains over a long period.

Overflowing Rivers

In some cases, it doesn't even need to rain in your area to cause a river to overflow. For example, if you live along a river and another town experiences heavy rains upstream it can cause a river to overflow. This causes damage to structures, crops, and communities. Larger rivers include a series of dams to help manage large amounts of rainfall. These river systems are managed by government authorities. However, those authorities have to make tough decisions about how to operate dams. They often can manage the water and prevent flooding altogether, but not always.

Melting Snow and Ice

In March, Omaha and surrounding areas had experienced rapid snowmelt. This was caused by warmer temperatures and rain. It not only contributed to a lot of water runoff, but it caused homes and basement to fill with water. House residents in areas susceptible to winter flooding need to prepare in advance for flood conditions.

How to Be Prepared

• Purchase a flood insurance policy if they do not already have one.
• Review their current insurance policy and become familiar with what is and is not
• Make a flood plan, plan evacuation routes and keep important papers in a safe, waterproof place
• Itemize and take pictures of possessions