Flooding 101

A flood is when water overwhelms an area of land that is normally dry. A flood may occur suddenly, or happen gradually – regardless, any flood has the potential to cause injuries, disruptions in utility services and transportation or property damage. In fact, just one inch of flood water in a home can cause $25,000, or more, in damage, according to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Though the definition of a flood is relatively simple to understand, the mechanisms behind flooding can vary substantially, leading to different types of flooding. Each can carry a different type of behavior, cause, and present its own unique challenges and hazards. Below are six common types of floods.

Regardless of the type of flood, they can be caused by some of the same factors, according to Earth Networks.

A flood can happen anywhere, says the National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL). But there are some areas that may be more vulnerable to floods than others. Flood-prone areas include:

• Dense urban areas: Impermeable surfaces increase runoff
• River-adjacent areas: Overflow and dam failure risk
• Canyons and burn areas: Dry soil and lack of vegetation increase runoff

Flood watches and advisories are less severe than flood warnings. Under a flood watch, flooding may happen, but it also may not. Under a flood advisory, flooding may occur and is not severe – more of an inconvenience, explains Weather.gov. In both of these cases you should stay aware of your surroundings and ready to act should danger arise.

In the case of a flood warning, you need to get yourself to safety as soon as possible.

Loss of lives

Flooding is one of the deadliest forms of severe weather in the U.S. according to Weather.gov. Deep, fast flowing or rapidly rising flood waters can be particularly dangerous.

Property damage

Flooding can cause considerable damage to property depending on the severity of the flood. It can cause structural damage such as loose or buckling floors or foundation cracks. Flooding can also damage appliances including ventilation, heating, refrigerators, and beyond. There may even be damage after the initial flooding caused by mold and mildew.

Economic impacts

Flooding can have catastrophic effects on the economy of impacted regions. Floods can destroy valuable real estate, damage industrial facilities built with access to waterways in mind, and damage key infrastructure according to the Institute for Water Resources (IWR).

Psychological effects

Flooding can have profound impacts on communities ranging from a loss of life, health, and property. But beyond that, flooding can have negative implications for mental health including increased levels of depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), according to ScienceDirect.

What do I do before a flood?

If you learn that a flood is possible or imminent, there are some important steps you can take to help protect your family and home:

Gather emergency supplies

A basic emergency kit should include several key items, such as a three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day), nonperishable food, a battery-operated or hand-cranked radio, first aid supplies, a flashlight and batteries, according to Ready.gov.

Prepare your home

Before floodwaters reach your area, the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) suggests taking the following steps to help protect your home:

• Clear gutters and downspouts of debris, so water can run freely.
• Elevate furniture and electronics; set appliances on concrete blocks.
• Inspect your sump pump and back-up batteries to make sure they're operational.

You might also want to consider sandbagging, if there’s enough time before water reaches your area, says FloodSmart.gov.

Take safety precautions

If your area floods, consider the National Weather Service's advice on keeping everyone in your home safe:

• Avoid electrical hazards. Don’t enter the basement, or any room where floodwaters cover electrical cords or outlets
• Obey local evacuation orders
• Stay out of floodwaters – do not walk or drive through them

What do I do during a flood?

During a flood, it is vital to be aware of your surroundings and monitor local alerts for updates on the situation. Move to high ground and obey any evacuation orders. Do not go in any room if water covers the outlets. Avoid flood waters. Flood water can be contaminated with chemicals, hazardous objects, etc. Small amounts of moving water can also be hazardous.

What do I do after a flood?

After a flood, you should avoid any standing water still as it can be contaminated and can obscure hazards. If it is likely your house will flood, get to safety if you are able, explains Weather.gov. Obey road closures, cautionary signs, and wait for an all clear before returning home.

Water damage restoration costs vary widely depending on the type of water, extent of damage, and location in the home. According to Fixr, here are some national averages:

Emergency services, mold remediation, and contaminated (“black”) water cleanups significantly raise overall costs. Immediate action reduces expense and environmental impact, while preventive measures like waterproofing (costing $3,000 to $7,000) or leak-detection systems (costing $500 to $1,500) help avoid future loss.