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HABLAMOS ESPAÑOL
(877) 880-4090Posted June 6, 2023 | Personal Injury Blog
Of all the types of natural disasters that occur across the US, flooding is the most common, and the devastating effects are felt by many Utahns each year. Flooding can result in large financial losses, with destroyed personal property and the need for costly housing repairs. However, the biggest losses are when flooding leads to injuries or even death.
While flooding can happen at any time, “flooding season” primarily occurs in the spring, with an increased likelihood of flood events due to melting snow. To prepare, families in Taylorsville are encouraged to take the necessary precautions to keep themselves, their families, and their properties safe in the event of flooding.
There are various types of floods that can occur, each with its own unique causes and dangers. During the spring flooding season, ice jams and snowmelt are the most common causes of flooding.
The heavier the winter snowfall, the higher the flood risk becomes in spring. After recording the snowiest winter in decades, Utah is facing an increased risk of flood events this spring.
During the spring, thick layers of ice that form on streams or rivers during the winter can be lifted and broken off as the ice begins to melt and warm rain begins to fall. These large chunks of ice can become jammed up, acting as a dam and causing water levels to rise rapidly. This can result in flash flooding once the water is released.
Be Ready Utah provides a number of helpful resources to help Utahns prepare for a number of hazards, including flooding.
These flood facts illustrate how serious flooding can be:
Clearly, flooding is a serious concern and should not be taken lightly. It is important to take steps to stay safe during the flooding season.
While floods cannot be entirely predicted or avoided, being prepared can help reduce your losses in the event of a flood. Consider the following five essential steps you and your family can take to prepare for a flood before it happens.
The majority of homeowner and renter insurance policies only cover water damage due to internal causes, such as a burst pipe, rather than an external flood event. Separate flood insurance policies can be purchased, but most of them take upwards of 30 days to take effect.
It is important to know your policy and purchase the necessary insurance well in advance to ensure you have coverage when you need it. If you are a renter, make sure you know whether the current house insurance policy includes your possessions, or whether it only covers damage to the structure of the building.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) maintains and updates maps of areas where flooding has a higher likelihood of occurring. It is important to take additional precautions if you live in one of these FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas. Houses in these designated floodplains have a 25-percent chance of experiencing flooding within a 30-year mortgage.
However, even if you live elsewhere, you must still take precautions against flooding. In fact, in recent years, many areas that have experienced flooding have been outside of these high-risk areas.
Have a plan in place of what to do if it becomes necessary to evacuate. Make sure every member of the family knows where to go, and designate a safe location where everyone can meet up if separated. Your evacuation plan should also include temporary housing arrangements if necessary and outline emergency contacts who do not live in the area.
Ideally, an emergency bag in the case of flooding will be waterproof. It is recommended to always have at least three days’ worth of food, water, and medicine on hand in the case of an emergency. Your emergency bag can also include any essential documents, first aid materials, rubber boots, and a few pairs of clean, dry clothes. A radio, flashlight, and extra batteries can also be useful.
Before flooding occurs, there are many steps you can take to prepare your home and reduce the likelihood of damage. Make sure your sump pump is in working condition, and consider purchasing a backup in case of emergency. Taking pictures of valuable items in your home can be helpful when handling an insurance claim after a flood.
Sandbags can also be a good way to divert water flow and reduce flood damage. Taylorsville residents can fill up to 25 bags per household at 4551 S. Atherton Drive every Thursday evening from 5 to 7 pm. Free sandbags are also available for pickup in Salt Lake County at its Public Works Operations Division.
Flooding is one of many hazards that many Utahns face each year. While floods can be unpredictable and destructive, there are practical steps you can take to keep you and your family safe.
If flooding occurs in your area, taking these steps can save your life:
By making use of the resources available, we can prepare and stay safe during flooding season. You can even call Fielding Law at 877-880-4090 to find out what you can do with your potential homeowners or renters claim.
Text edited by Mitchell Fielding, a personal injury lawyer and partner at Fielding Law. Mitchell is known for his hard work ethic, friendly personality and dedication to the law. You can find out personal injury law offices in Taylorsville, UT and Mesquite, TX.