Facts About Floods

11/17/2020 (Permalink)

River water can quickly rise and overtake the surrounding areas with the help of heavy rains and snowmelt as seen here in this local town.

Floods are one of the most common and widespread natural disasters in the United States. No matter where you may live, floods can can pose a significant threat. Whether you are near mountains, coastlines, along city streets or near a river, the threat for flooding is all around us. According to the National Flood Insurance Program, houses in the United States 26% chance of being damaged by a flood during the course of a 30-year mortgage. Businesses face similar risks by flooding. Here are some statistics regarding flood damage in the US:

• The principal causes of floods in the western U.S. are snowmelt and rainstorms.
• The principal causes of floods in the eastern U.S. are hurricanes and storms.
• Floods kill an average of 140 people per year in the U.S., making flooding the most deadly natural disaster.
• More than half of all fatalities during floods are auto related often the result of drivers misjudging the depth of water on a road and being swept away in a swiftly moving current.
• Underpasses can be some of the most dangerous places during a flash flood- especially at night when it's difficult to see.

If a flood does strike your home or business, be sure to contact SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties to assist with the damage. Even minor floods have the potential to cause major damage to a structure when not treated properly. The cleanup for a flood can be an overwhelming task and the professionals at SERVPRO have the equipment and trained personal to make flood damage "Like it never even happened." 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.