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Flooding in Florida

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We all love Florida for its close beach access, mouse ears, and sunny weather, but Florida living also comes with the risk of flooding, unpredictable weather, and property damage. The bad news: floodwater can still find its way into Florida homes and businesses even if you don’t live near the coast. Here’s the good news: if or when flooding hits your Florida residence, the restoration experts at All Dry USA are here to lend a helping hand.

Natural Disasters In Florida

How Common is Flooding in Florida?

While flooding can happen anywhere in Florida, many regions are at a higher risk for flooding than others – thanks to the state’s unusual peninsula shape. Likewise, some counties experience more flooding than others due to their close proximity to bodies of water. Still, all Floridians need to be vigilant and recognize that floodwaters could impact them at any given time. As one of Florida’s most frequent hazards, several Florida cities are among the top 20 places with the most properties at risk of substantial flood damage, including Cape Coral, Boynton Beach, Tampa, and Jacksonville.

There have been five significant floods in Florida since 1928, three due to hurricanes and two due to tropical storms – and it only seems to be increasing.

What Types of Flooding Affect Florida?

Flash flooding, river flooding, coastal flooding, and levee failures are the most common types of flooding to affect Florida residents. Let’s learn more.

Flash Flooding

Flash floods occur whenever there is a heavy amount of rainfall in a short period – usually in a normally dry area. This type of flooding happens quickly, and without much warning, so it’s crucial to be prepared before the rain hits. Flash flooding may occur due to inclement weather or another event, such as a dam failure.

River Flooding

River flooding occurs when rivers swell with rainwater and overflow their banks, causing water to spread over the land into areas usually above water. This type of flood often happens slowly. Its effects can last for days or weeks, damaging sensitive soil and plant life.

Tropical Systems and Coastal Flooding

Florida’s coastal cities are particularly vulnerable to flooding from tropical storm systems – especially during Florida’s frenzied hurricane season. Hurricanes, tropical storms, and other intense weather events can cause massive storm surges and flooding along the coast. Areas without vegetation to hold the soil in place are at an even greater risk of flooding.

Dam Breaks/Levee Failure

Levees are structures designed to contain rivers or bodies of water and prevent flooding. However, levees have been known to fail or break due to heavy rains or poor maintenance, which can cause catastrophic flooding.

What Parts of Florida are Most at Risk From Flooding?

Areas most at risk from flooding include low-lying and coastal areas near rivers, bodies of water, and floodplains. The central and southern parts of Florida are most vulnerable to floods due to their proximity to the coast.

Indeed, all parts of Florida are at great risk from flooding during certain times of the year. In Florida, hurricane season falls between June 1 and November 30. However, storms have been known to start forming around mid-May, putting Floridians at a high risk of flooding for over half the year.

What Are the Main Hazards Associated With Flooding?

Floods can be dangerous, so it’s essential to know your risks and take precautions when flooding threatens. Some of the main hazards associated with floods include:

Polluted Floodwater

Heavy rains can wash pollutants into floodwaters, creating a hazardous mix that can harm humans and animals. Pollutants can be chemicals, debris, sewage, or worse. The presence of these pollutants puts the floodwater in the category of “grey water,” significantly contaminated water, or “black water,” grossly contaminated water. Grey and black water may contain harmful agents, such as pathogenic or toxigenic substances, that can cause sickness, discomfort, or other significant adverse reactions.

Health Hazards

Floodwaters may contain bacteria, toxic mold, and other contaminants that cause immense health problems. Floodwater can also have hidden sharp debris, so caution is essential when entering a flooded area. Avoiding flooded areas is the best way to protect yourself against these health hazards.

Disruption of Services

Flooding can lead to power cuts, loss of water and sewer services, and other disruptions. Utilities and services may be lost in an instant. Evacuating to safer land before the services land can help keep you and your family safe.

Property Damage

Floodwaters may cause extensive damage to property, including homes, businesses, and vehicles. Exterior damage can include damage to siding and roofs, broken windows, and more. Interior damage consists of the presence of mold in your home, destroyed flooring, moisture-logged furniture and clothing, sewage backup, and leaks.

Types Of Mold Fungus

How Do I Keep My Family Safe During a Flood in Florida?

It’s essential to stay safe during a flood by taking the following precautions before, during, and after.

Before the Flood

  • Know the risk for floodwaters in your area and calculate your elevation
  • Make a family emergency plan and essentials kit for floods, including nearby shelters
  • Evacuate before the flood reaches your doorstep, if possible
  • Gather valuable documents and items before evacuating
  • Move to a safe area or shelter before services are disconnected
  • Stay on top of updates with news and radio

During the Flood:

  • Avoid flooded areas and don’t cross or swim through flowing water
  • Don’t drive on flooded roads; driving in floods can cause injury or death
  • Stay away from barricaded areas
  • Leave a stalling vehicle where it is
  • Don’t let children walk through or play in floodwater

After the Flood:

  • Avoid disaster areas even if trying to help
  • Boil drinking water before using it
  • Throw out any floodwater-contacted food
  • Avoid flooded buildings
  • Don’t touch electrical equipment
  • Use flashlights if the power is out
  • Report any broken utilities or hazards to local authorities

Contact your local emergency management office for more information on how to stay safe before, during, and after a flood in Florida.

Common Types of Property Damage Caused by Floods in Florida

Floods can damage properties in more ways than one. Know your risks to better protect yourself from them:

Interior Water Damage

Floodwater can seep through windows, doors, and other cracks, causing significant interior water damage. Interior water damage may affect walls, hardwood floors, vinyl floors, carpet, furniture, personal items, interior electrical work, and the home’s structural integrity.

Leaks

Both minor and severe leaks can occur due to flooding. Serious leaks may require repairs or fixing pipes that the floodwaters have damaged. Leaks that go unfixed may weaken your home’s foundational integrity, while water damage from leaks can produce nasty mold.

Sewage Backup

Sewer lines may block due to flooding, leading to an inconvenient sewage backup. Sewage backups can cause serious health risks and damage floors, walls, ceilings, furniture, and other home items. Experts must adequately remove the sewage and professionally disinfect the area before it’s safe to return to your peaceful abode.

Mold

Floodwater may also lead to mold growth on surfaces in a home or business. Mold can multiply in the right conditions and cause health issues, so it’s crucial to find and treat the source of moisture as soon as possible. Mold remediation may be necessary to remove existing mold and prevent future growth.

Be aware of common types of property damage caused by floods so that you can take steps to protect your property from danger. Knowing the risks and taking action can help reduce the impact of a flood on your home and family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Florida in Danger of Flooding?

When looking at a map of Florida, over 2.365 million properties – a whopping 36% of all Florida properties! – have more than a 26% risk of being severely impacted by flood damage within the next 30 years. So – yes.

What Part of Florida Has the Most Floods?

The area of Florida that has the most properties at serious risk of flooding is Cape Coral. Nearly 70% of the city’s properties face a high risk of flooding! Good thing we’re available to assist.

Is All of Florida a Flood Zone?

Every property is in a flood zone, but whether it’s in a low, moderate, or high-risk flood zone varies. The entire state of Florida is not in a high-risk flood zone, but certain areas – like those near rivers and coasts on lower elevations – may be at a significantly higher risk.

Suffering From Flooding Damage in Florida? ADU Can Help

If you’re suffering from flooding damage in Florida, the All Dry USA team can help. Our experienced professionals will inspect your property, recommend specific protocols determined by your unique damage and circumstances, and start working to get your home back to its pre-flood condition.

We’ll work quickly and efficiently to restore your home, reduce the stress of dealing with flood damage, and help you get back on track. Call us today for more information about our services!

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