Triple-digit temperatures across Texas during the summer often result in residents dreaming of rain and cooler weather well before fall. Amid droughts and water usage restrictions, rain can often be seen as a welcome relief for Texans and for the health of local plants and wildlife. However, the risk of flash flooding is much greater when major storm systems roll into an area after weeks of absence in late summer or early fall. Better Business Bureau (BBB) recommends that residents prepare their homes, businesses and vehicles for the potentially devastating effects of flash flooding to help mitigate some risks.
Natural disasters can dramatically affect impacted residents, but flooding is often associated with the most widespread damage that often requires communities to spend millions of dollars to recover fully. According to FEMA, just a single inch of water inside a home can cause $25,000 in damage. Unethical or fraudulent contractors following in the wake of natural disasters, known as stormchasers, can create even more challenges during the recovery process as home and business owners needing immediate repairs interact with unlicensed or impersonated businesses. While many contractors offering their services following a natural disaster are legitimate, BBB strongly recommends residents take the time to research these businesses and receive a minimum of three quotes to ensure they are getting a fair price.
As defined by the National Weather Service, flash flooding begins within six hours, but often within three, of heavy rainfall or other causes, such as dam or levee breaks. The intensity and rate of flooding conditions is significantly influenced by the soil type and water content, as well as the number of impervious structures that prevent water from soaking into the ground. Due to its sudden occurrence, flash floods often catch residents off-guard and can quickly become dangerous, particularly when encountering high, fast-moving water while traveling. Urban areas are more susceptible to flash floods, but residents near rivers, streams or creeks, even if they are dry, must also be wary of heavy rainfall, which can cause the waterway to exceed its natural or constructed channels.
To help Texas residents prepare for flash flooding and heavy rains following the summer season, BBB recommends:
Know your local flood zones. Check with your local government to see the flood risk level for your property, or use the FEMA Flood Map Service. Flood maps help home and business owners anticipate the risk their properties will be affected by flash flood conditions, including the location of built-in floodways that may run over roads during heavy rainfall. These maps are invaluable tools to understand if a property is in a high-risk area and which direction flood waters are likely to approach from.
Clear debris from drains and gutters. Blocked drains and gutters prevent these systems from adequately diverting water from the areas they are designed to protect and can contribute to roof or structural damage. Be sure to clear any ground obstructions that prevent the water from flowing away from the property where the drain or gutter discharges.
Locate utility shutoffs for the property. In the event of flooding within a home or business, it is crucial to quickly shut off electricity, gas and water utilities to prevent these systems from creating a more dangerous situation that can lead to fire, shock or contamination. Familiarize yourself with the property’s water, gas and electrical shut-off locations and how to use them in an emergency quickly.
Take action in case of weather alerts. Pay attention to local weather alerts and act depending on the level of risk you determine your property is in. Heavy rains can quickly turn into flash flooding, and residents who take a few precautions before an anticipated storm are better prepared for a worst-case scenario.
Install a water alarm. Homes and businesses in high-risk areas can install water alarms in the lower levels of their property to let them know when it detects flooding, giving owners time to act during nighttime storms or if they are not physically present. In some cases, these systems can be linked to an installed pump system that can help reduce how much water accumulates indoors.
For more resources on how to prepare and recover from flash flooding and heavy rain, visit BBB.org/Flood.
