Water Damage, Flood Restoration in Collegeville 19426, Royersford 19468, Norristown 19403, Eagleville 19408, Audubon 19407, Oaks 19456, Schwenksville 19473, Skippack 19474, Phoenixville 19460 Pottstown 19464, Pottstown 19465, Ludwigs 19425, Boyertown 19512, Birdsboro 19508, Kimberton 19442, Douglasville 19518, Zieglersville 19492, Malvern 19355, Chesterbrook 19087, King of Prussia 19406, Wayne 19087, Paoli 19301, Berwyn 19312, Devon 19333, Roxborough 19128, Bryn Mawr 19010, Villanova 19085, Exton 19341, Bala Cynwyd 19004, Merion Station 19066, Narberth 19072, Gladwyne 19035, Valley Forge 19485, Valley Forge 19483, Wynnewood 19096, Lafayette Hill 19444, Worcester 19490, Spring Mount 19477, Lansdale 19446, Harleysville 19438, Blue Bell 19422, Red Hill 18076, Pennsburg 18073, Perkiomenville 18074, Gilbertsville 19525, Barto 19504, Frederick 19435, Conshohocken 19428, Plymouth Meeting 19462, Amity 19518, Kutztown 19530, Bally 19503, Elverson 19520, Honeybrook 19344, Chester Springs 19425, Dresher 19025, Jenkintown 19046, Glenside 19038, City Line 19131, Spring City 19475

 

BEFORE A FLOOD (When Flooding is Forecast)

Be alert.

• Monitor your surroundings.
• Monitor NOAA Weather Radio, local television and radio stations, or go to www.weather.gov.

If a flash flood warning is issued for your area: Climb to safety immediately.

• Flash floods develop quickly. Do not wait until you see rising water.
• Get out of low areas subject to flooding.
• If driving, do not drive through flooded roadways!

Assemble disaster supplies:

• Drinking water – Fill clean containers.
• Food that requires no refrigeration or cooking.
• Cash.
• Medications and first aid supplies.
• Clothing, toiletries.
• Battery-powered radio.
• Flashlights.
• Extra batteries.
• Important documents: insurance papers, medical records, bank account numbers.

Be prepared to evacuate.

• Identify places to go.
• Identify alternative travel routes that are not prone to flooding.
• Plan what to do with your pets.
• Fill your car’s gas tank.
• If told to leave, do so quickly.

Review your Family Disaster Plan.

• Discuss flood plans with your family.
• Decide where you will meet if separated.
• Designate a contact person who can be reached if family members get separated. Make sure every family member has the contact information.

Protect your property.

• Move valuables and furniture to higher levels.
• Move hazardous materials (such as paint, oil, pesticides, and cleaning supplies) to higher locations.
• Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch them if you are wet or standing in water.
• Bring outside possessions indoors or tie them down securely. This includes lawn furniture, garbage cans, and other movable objects.
• Seal vents to basements to prevent flooding.

DURING A FLOOD

Be alert.

• Monitor your surroundings.
• Monitor NOAA Weather Radio, local television and radio stations, or go to www.weather.gov.

Don’t drive unless you have to.
If you must drive, travel with care.

• Make sure your vehicle has enough fuel.
• Follow recommended routes. DO NOT sightsee.
• Avoid disaster areas. Your presence might hamper rescue or other emergency operations and put you at further risk.
• Watch for washed out roads, earth slides, and downed trees or power lines.
• Be especially cautious at night, when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.
• If the vehicle stalls, abandon it.
• If water rises around your car, leave the vehicle immediately. Climb to higher ground as quickly as possible.

NEVER drive through flooded roadways. STOP! Turn Around Don’t Drown.

• The roadbed may be washed out.
• You can lose control of your vehicle in only a few inches of water.
• Your car may float. Vehicles can be swept away by less than 2 feet of water.
• Do not drive around a barricade. Turn around and go another way!

Get to high ground – Climb to safety!

• Get out of low areas that may be subject to flooding.
• Avoid already-flooded areas and do not attempt to cross flowing water.
• Stay away from power lines and electrical wires.

Evacuate immediately, if you think you are at risk or are advised to do so!

• Act quickly. Save yourself, not your belongings.
• Move to a safe area before access is cut off by rising water.
• Families should use only one vehicle to avoid getting separated and reduce traffic jams.
• Shut off water, gas, and electrical services before leaving.
• Secure your home: lock all doors and windows.
• If directed to a specific location, go there.

Never try to walk or swim through flowing water.

• If flowing water is above your ankles, STOP! Turn around and go another way.
• If it is moving swiftly, water 6 inches deep can knock you off your feet.
• Be aware that people have been swept away wading through flood waters.
• NEVER allow children to play around high water, storm drains, creeks, or rivers.

Shut off the electricity at the circuit breakers.
If someone falls in or is trapped in flood water:

• Do not go after the victim!
• Use a floatation device. If possible throw the victim something to help them float, such as a spare tire, large ball, or foam ice chest.
• Call 911. Call for assistance and give the correct location information.

AFTER A FLOOD

Wait until it is safe to return.

• Monitor NOAA Weather Radio or local television and radio stations.
• Do not return to flooded areas until authorities indicate it is safe to do so.
• Do not visit disaster areas following a flood. Your presence may hamper urgent emergency response and rescue operations.

Travel with care.

• Follow recommended routes. DO NOT sightsee.
• Watch for washed out roads, earth slides, and downed trees or power lines.
• Stay away from downed power lines.

If a building was flooded, check for safety before entering.

• Do not enter a building if it is still flooded or surrounded by floodwater.
• Check for structural damage. Inspect foundations for cracks or other damage.
• Turn off any outside gas lines at the meter tank.
• Do not enter a building that has flooded until local building officials have inspected it for safety.

Use extreme caution when entering buildings.

• Wear sturdy shoes. The most common injury following a disaster is cut feet.
• Use ONLY battery-powered lighting. Flammable material may be present.
• Look for fire hazards (such as damaged gas lines, flooded electrical circuits, or submerged furnaces).
• Check for gas leaks. If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, open a window and quickly leave the building. If possible turn off the gas at the outside main valve. Call the gas company.
• Report broken utility lines to appropriate authorities.
• Check for electrical system damage (sparks, broken or frayed wires, or the smell of burning insulation). Turn off the electricity at the main circuit breaker if you can reach it without stepping in water.
• Examine walls, floors, doors, windows, and ceilings for risk of collapsing.
• Watch out for animals that might have entered with the floodwaters.
• Let the building air out to remove foul odors or escaping gas.

Take pictures of the damage, both of the building and its contents, for insurance claims.
Get professional help.

• Seek necessary medical care. Do not neglect minor wounds or illnesses.
• Food, clothing, shelter, and first aid are available from the American Red Cross.
• If the gas has been turned off for any reason, it must be turned back on by a professional.
• Have an electrician check the electrical system and appliances.
• Wells should be pumped out and the water tested for purity before drinking.

Your home is no longer a safe place.

• Throw away medicine, food, or water that had contact with floodwaters (including canned goods).
• If water is of questionable purity, boil drinking water for 10 minutes.
• Restrict children from playing in flooded areas.
• Keep windows and doors open for ventilation.
• Pump out flooded basements gradually (removing about 1/3 of the water volume each day) to avoid structural damage.
• Keep the power off until an electrician has inspected the system for safety. All electrical equipment should be checked and dried before being returned to service.
• Clean and disinfect everything that got wet.
• Service damaged sewage systems as soon as possible.

When making repairs, protect your property from future flood damage.

• Follow local building codes.
• Use flood-resistant materials and techniques.
• Elevate electrical components above the potential flood height.
• Elevate utilities (washer, dryer, furnace, and water heater) above the level of anticipated flooding.
• Consider elevation of the entire structure.
• Install a backflow valve in the sewer system.

Flooding is a coast-to-coast threat to the United States and its territories in all months of the year. Flooding typically occurs when prolonged rain falls over several days, when intense rain falls over a short period of time, or when an ice or debris jam causes a river or stream to overflow onto the surrounding area. Flooding can also result from the failure of a water control structure, such as a levee or dam. The most common cause of flooding is water due to rain and/or snowmelt that accumulates faster than soils can absorb it or rivers can carry it away. Approximately seventy-five percent of all Presidential disaster declarations are associated with flooding. Below are the most common flood hazards to impact the United States. Flash Flooding Flash floods are exactly what the name suggests: floods that happen in a flash! Flash floods generally develop within 6 hours of the immediate cause. Causes of flash flooding include heavy rain, ice or debris jams, and levee or dam failure. These floods exhibit a rapid rise of water over low-lying areas. In some cases, flooding may even occur well away from where heavy rain initially fell. This is especially common in the western United States where low lying areas may be very dry one minute, and filled with rushing water from upstream the next. There are many reasons that flash floods occur, but one of the most common is the result of copious amounts of rainfall from thunderstorms that cause flash flooding. This can also occur when slow-moving or multiple thunderstorms move over the same area. These sudden downpours can rapidly change the water levels in a stream or creek and turn small waterways into violent, raging rivers. Urban areas are especially prone to flash floods due to the large amounts of concrete and asphalt surfaces that do not allow water to penetrate into the soil easily. Steep, hilly, or mountainous terrain produces rapid runoff and quick stream response, since the water will travel downhill at greater speeds into rivers and over land. Rocky terrain can exacerbate the development of flash floods and raging waters since rocks and clay soils do not allow as much water to infiltrate the ground. Steep, narrow valleys generate rapidly flowing waters that can quickly rise to considerable depth. For instance, a mountain creek that is usually only 6 inches deep can swell to a 10-foot depth in less than one hour. River Flooding River flooding occurs when river levels rise and overflow their banks or the edges of their main channel and inundate areas that are normally dry. River flooding can be caused by heavy rainfall, dam failures, rapid snowmelt and ice jams. The National Weather Service issues Flood Warnings for designated River Forecast Points where a flood stage has been established. River flooding is classified as Minor, Moderate, or Major based on water height and impacts along the river that have been coordinated with the NWS and local officials. Minor river flooding means that low-lying areas adjacent to the stream or river, mainly rural areas and farmland and secondary roadways near the river flood. Moderate flooding means water levels rise high enough to impact homes and businesses near the river and some evacuations may be needed. Larger roads and highways may also be impacted. Major flooding means that extensive rural and/or urban flooding is expected. Towns may become isolated and major traffic routes may be flooded. Evacuation of numerous homes and business may be required. There is an additional level of flooding known as record flooding. In many cases this falls into the major flood category, but it doesn't have to. A record flood is simply one where the water reaches a level higher than it ever has been recorded before. Therefore, record flooding can cause extensive damage or even no damage or other negative impacts at all. Storm Surge and Coastal Inundation from Tropical and Non-Tropical Systems When people think of tropical storms and hurricanes they typically think of strong winds, yet the highest percentage of all tropical cyclone deaths are due to flooding. Coastal flooding generally occurs with a land-falling or near-land system such as a Tropical Storm or Hurricane. Storm surge and large waves produced by hurricanes pose the greatest threat to life and property along the coast. The destructive power of storm surge and large battering waves can result in loss of life; destruction of buildings; erosion of beaches and dunes; and damage to roads and bridges along the coast. Storm surges undermine building foundations by constant agitation of the water piled high by the tropical cyclone. The end result can be a complete demolition of homes and businesses. Tropical cyclones can cause flooding in the U.S. each spring through fall. While the official hurricane Season runs from June to November in the Atlantic and May to November in the Pacific, tropical storms have been known to occur outside of this timeframe. Tropical cyclones can bring copious amounts of precipitation onshore. The majority of the heaviest rain occurs to the right of the center of the storm; however, it should be noted that rain bands on both sides of the system can produce heavy rain. Tropical systems are not the only type of storms that can cause coastal inundation and storm surge. At all times of the year, storms can impact the U.S. coastal regions. The Northwestern U.S. is often approached by Pacific storm systems that bring large amounts of precipitation to the area. During the cold season, large storm systems, called Nor'easters, bring heavy precipitation to the Northeastern U.S. as well. These storm systems can also be accompanied by strong winds which cause storm surge and additional flooding along the coastal areas. Storm Surge is a particular problem directly along the coast. Entire coastlines can be altered by the sheer magnitude of the water battering the shores. Storm surge can also travel several miles inland causing additional flooding and destruction. The addition of intense rainfall along the coast can add to the flooding potential. It is important to note that surge related fatalities have been greatly reduced due to improved evacuation practices in coastal areas; however, since the 1970s, inland flooding has been responsible for more than half of the deaths associated with tropical cyclones in the United States. Unfortunately, the inland flood threat is often under emphasized during a tropical event. Typically, greater rainfall amounts and flooding are associated with tropical cyclones that have a slow forward speed or stall over an area. Any remnants of a tropical system can cause flooding if conditions are right. Both river flooding and flash flooding are common with tropical cyclones. Water from heavy rainfall quickly gathers in low lying areas. It may surround homes and inundate roadways. To stay safe during a tropical cyclone, it is important to stay aware of the evolving situation by listening to the local news and heeding any calls to action from law enforcement. Tropical systems and coastal storms can affect more than just the states lining the coasts. Storms that strike the coast of the Gulf of Mexico often track northward into the eastern half of the U.S. before being caught by the easterly flow and pushed off into the Atlantic. As a storm moves inland, away from its primary moisture source (the oceans or Gulf), precipitation amounts will begin to diminish; however, depending on the strength of the storm, the amount of moisture being carried with it can take heavy rainfall well into the interior states. Learn More: Storm Surge Resources Experimental Storm Surge Graphics Nor'easter Information Burn Scars/Debris Flows In areas where wildfires have occurred, vegetation may have been burned away and soil properties may have been altered, leaving behind bare ground that tends to repel water. This is called a burn scar. When rain falls over a burn scar, the ground is unable to absorb the moisture, leaving the water to collect or run across the surface of the ground towards the lowest point. Wildfires are common in the western U.S.; however, wildfires occur in all 50 states, so this type of flooding is possible anywhere. Without vegetation to hold the soil in place, flooding can produce mud and debris flows. When normally dry soil becomes overly saturated, it can reach a point where it turns to a liquid state and flows downhill, essentially becoming a river of mud. Mud and debris flows can destroy homes, wash out bridges and roadways, and knock down trees. They can also deposit large amounts of mud and other debris on previously clear surfaces, damaging or burying everything in their path. Areas where ground cover has recently changed dramatically, such as an area impacted by a wildfire, can be at a higher risk for mudflows. Ice/Debris Jams Ice jams are common during the winter and spring along rivers, streams and creeks in the higher latitudes of the continental U.S. as well as in Alaska. Many of the record flood events along major rivers in Alaska are the result of ice jams Debris jams can occur at any time of year and have the same implications as an ice jam. As ice or debris moves downstream, it may get caught on any sort of obstruction to the water flow. When this occurs, water can be held back, causing upstream flooding. When the jam finally breaks, flash flooding can occur downstream. Typically, an ice jam is resolved when the ice melts. With debris jams, the options are to take measures to remove the jam or wait for the debris to break free. In addition to causing flooding, these jams may also have economic and ecological implications. They might delay or suspend navigation along a waterway, affect hydropower operations, or cause damage to vessels. Jams can cause riverbank erosion, impede migration of aquatic creatures and adversely impact wildlife habitats. Loss of life has also been attributed to flooding caused by ice and debris jams. Snowmelt and the breakup of river ice often occur at about the same time. Ice jams often form as a result of the sudden push exerted on the ice by a surge of runoff into the river associated with snowmelt. Ice jams can act as dams on the river that result in flooding behind the dam until the ice melts or the jam weakens to the point that the ice releases and moves downstream. A serious ice jam will threaten areas upstream and downstream of its location. Six inch thick ice can destroy large trees and knock houses off their foundations. Once an ice jam gives way, a location may experience a flash flood as all the water and debris that was trapped, rushes downstream. Snowmelt Snowmelt flooding occurs when the major source of water involved in a flood is caused by melting snow. The northern tier states and mountainous areas of the U.S. are particularly susceptible to snowmelt flooding. Unlike rainfall that can reach the soil almost immediately, the snowpack can store the water for an extended amount of time until temperatures rise above freezing and the snow melts. This frozen storage delays the arrival of water to the soil for days, weeks, or even months. Once it begins to melt and does reach the soil, water from snowmelt behaves much as it would if it had come from rain instead of snow by either infiltrating into the soil, running off, or both. Flooding can occur when there is more water than the soil can absorb or can be contained in storage capacities in the soil, rivers, lakes and reservoirs. High soil moisture conditions prior to snowmelt can contribute to snowmelt flooding. Rainfall during the late fall is particularly important because there is less evapotranspiration and less time for the soil to drain and dry before it freezes. Ground frost or frozen soil is another contributor. Deep, hard ground frost prevents snowmelt from infiltrating into the soil. Cold temperatures prior to heavy snowfall and normal or above normal soil moisture contribute to this. Deep snow cover can worsen snowmelt flooding since there is more water stored and available for snowmelt. Also, when snow cover is widespread, it usually keeps air temperatures cooler and delays spring warming, which increases the potential for more rapid snowmelt. Rain falling while snow is still on the ground contributes more water for flooding and helps to melt the snowpack, thus rain-on-snow events are watched carefully. Most often, snowmelt is a relatively slow phenomenon. Snowmelt rates are usually comparable to light or moderate rainfall.  Important exceptions to this can occur, especially during unusually warm periods with high dew point temperatures, and when nighttime temperatures remain above freezing. Snowmelt rates can be much higher than normal under these conditions, which can increase the risk of snowmelt flooding. Dry Wash In dry areas of the U.S. significant rainfall can quickly cause flooding. For example, much of the year the desert southwest is very dry. However, each summer, the weather pattern changes, bringing moisture and thunderstorms into the area. Because of the heat and arid climate, the ground is quite hard and unable to absorb much of the precipitation that does fall. The water from these storms rushes to low-lying areas, often into a canyon or dried up river bed. It can be dangerous for hikers to walk along these canyons or dried river beds even when it is not raining. A thunderstorm could take place several miles away, but eventually that water will arrive downstream. If a hiker is not monitoring the situation, they may be caught by surprise, and potentially swept away by the flood waters. Dam Breaks/Levee Failure

What to do after a flood

After emergency officials have given permission to re-enter your home:

• Check for structural damage before going inside.
• If it’s dark, use a flashlight – not matches, a candle or a lighter.
• Listen for reports to see when drinking water is safe again.
• Don’t turn your power on until an electrician has inspected your system.
• Use your cell phone or other camera to photograph damage, which can help get your claim started sooner.
• Inventory damaged or destroyed items – again, to expedite your claim.
• Report your claim to your insurance agent or company as soon as possible.
• Begin initial cleanup as soon as waters recede. Separate damaged from undamaged items and clean and disinfect everything that got wet.
• When cleaning, wear a mask, gloves and coveralls to minimize exposure to possible hazardous materials.
• Mold can be a hazardous result from a flood. Consider a professional service that specializes in post-flood cleanup.
• Once you’ve gathered documentation about your damage and your insurance coverage, contact your insurance company or agent.

  Collegeville 19426, Royersford 19468, Norristown 19403, Eagleville 19408, Audubon 19407, Oaks 19456, Schwenksville 19473, Skippack 19474, Phoenixville 19460 Pottstown 19464, Pottstown 19465, Ludwigs 19425, Boyertown 19512, Birdsboro 19508, Kimberton 19442, Douglasville 19518, Zieglersville 19492, Malvern 19355, Chesterbrook 19087, King of Prussia 19406, Wayne 19087, Paoli 19301, Berwyn 19312, Devon 19333, Roxborough 19128, Bryn Mawr 19010, Villanova 19085, Exton 19341, Bala Cynwyd 19004, Merion Station 19066, Narberth 19072, Gladwyne 19035, Valley Forge 19485, Valley Forge 19483, Wynnewood 19096, Lafayette Hill 19444, Worcester 19490, Spring Mount 19477, Lansdale 19446, Harleysville 19438, Blue Bell 19422, Red Hill 18076, Pennsburg 18073, Perkiomenville 18074, Gilbertsville 19525, Barto 19504, Frederick 19435, Conshohocken 19428, Plymouth Meeting 19462, Amity 19518, Kutztown 19530, Bally 19503, Elverson 19520, Honeybrook 19344, Chester Springs 19425, Dresher 19025, Jenkintown 19046, Glenside 19038, City Line 19131, Spring City 19475

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