Floods in Port St. Lucie, FL

Floods can prove devastating to your home, business, and livelihood. They can arrive seemingly out of nowhere and cause devastating harm with long-lasting effects. Thankfully, with the right preparation, you can minimize the potential damage.

In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about floods in Port St. Lucie. We’ll include how likely a flood is and what to do before, during, and after a flood has occurred. By the end, you’ll be an expert. As always, All Dry USA is ready to provide you with the restorative services you need!

Does It Flood in Port St. Lucie, FL?

Yes. In fact, Port St. Lucie sits at moderate risk for flooding, especially in residential, commercial, and social areas. Although the overall risk of Port St. Lucie is considered minor, there are spikes in risk based on altitude and location.

Is Port St. Lucie, Florida, in a Flood Zone?

Yes. Port St. Lucie is at risk of flooding, and like the rest of Florida, is particularly at risk of areal flooding. As a generally humid region, The Sunshine State is especially prone to floods.

What Types of Flooding Affect Port St. Lucie, FL?

There are several types of flooding that affect Port St. Lucie in particular. These include:

• Flash Flooding: when rain falls so fast it cannot drain away properly.
• Areal Flooding: caused by gradual but persistent moderate to heavy rainfall.
• Fluvial Flooding: when a river, lake, or stream overflows and bursts its boundaries.

What Areas in Port St. Lucie Are Most at Risk of Flooding?

Floods are largely unpredictable, but the closer to large bodies of water you are and the lower the attitude of your location, the more likely you will have to deal with floods in the future. If this applies to you, it’s vital that you fully understand the hazards associated with flooding and what to do before, during, and after a flood.

What Are the Main Hazards Associated With Flooding?

Let’s go over several of the hazards associated with flooding that you may not be aware of.

High-Velocity Flood Waters Carry Debris

Water moves quickly when it gathers in large bodies, making it capable of sweeping large debris. This could include vehicles, entire homes, and even bridges if the water gains a high enough speed. Not only can this prove devastating to infrastructure, but it can fatally harm people caught in its flow.

Water Damage to Property

Any amount of water entering a built structure can cause significant damage. Even in more minor flooding, furniture can ruin and floors and walls can suffer from weakened integrity and new mold growth.

Massive Amounts of Erosion

Fast-moving water is one of the most effective forms of erosion, capable of reducing structures to rubble in relatively no time at all. Indeed, structures that have stood for years can be brought down by a flood, all because of erosion.

Flooding of Farmland

For farm owners, flooding is especially bad news. Not only can it harm crops, ruining everything you’ve spent the past season growing, but it can also destroy the homes of your livestock. It’s not uncommon to hear of farm animals drowning in severe flooding without the proper protections.

Polluted Water Supplies

The sudden rise in water levels can often lead to harmful toxins that pollute the water supply. This is especially relevant if sewage treatment plants are flooded and become unusable. Consumption of this polluted water can lead to various adverse health effects and diseases.

Disruption of Services

This poses a domino effect of problems, as transportation may be disrupted, which in turn means people can’t arrive at their usual workplace. Businesses may close even if the premises aren’t flooded themselves. Floods don’t have to affect a location directly to have harmful effects via association.

How Do I Keep My Family Safe During a Flood in Port St. Lucie?

Although floods can be scary things to experience, there are steps you can take to keep yourself and your family safe. Let’s walk you through them.

Before the Flood

• Establish a communication plan with your family and a designated meeting point if necessary.
• Wherever possible, construct barriers at your doors or windows on ground level to stop or slow the spread of floodwater.
• Elevate your electronics whenever possible to prevent the risk of damage.
• Move furniture from the ground floor to the first or second floor.
• Ensure you have access to the necessary channels to stay updated on the progression of the flood. This could be through radio, internet, or television.

During the Flood

• Gather emergency supplies such as food, water, and a first aid kit.
• Stay continuously updated with the progress of the flood and weather changes. You need to be aware if an evacuation is announced.
• Move all of your outdoor possessions indoors. This could include furniture, ornaments, trash cans, etc.
• Fill your sinks, bathtubs, gallon jars, or plastic soda bottles with a supply of clean water in case of pollution to the main water supply.
• You may be asked to evacuate if you live in an at-risk area, such as low spots, washes, canyons, or beside a large body of water. Follow all instructions from authorities immediately.

After the Flood

• If you were evacuated, return to your home only once the authorities have told you it’s safe.
• Do not drink, wash dishes, brush teeth, or wash food with flood water. Do not use the main water supply unless explicitly told to do so.
• Avoid driving through flooded areas wherever possible. Floods have been known to sweep vehicles away or leave them stranded long after the emergency has ended.
• Remove all damaged items or food from your home. Keep only what is clearly undamaged; otherwise, you could risk illness.
• If it can’t be cleaned with bleach, throw it out. This includes pillows, cushions, mattresses, carpeting, and soft toys. Flood water can prove harmful, and you should take zero risks.

Common Types of Property Damage Caused by Floods in Port St. Lucie

Floods aren’t merely dangerous as they’re unfolding. If your home is flooded, it can have long-lasting effects in a variety of ways. To illustrate this, we’ve listed some of the most common examples of damage you may experience.

Appliance Damage

Electrical appliances do not handle exposure to water well. Your television, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning will all suffer from a flood. Your refrigerator could also take some serious damage, which puts your food preservation at risk.

Structural Damage

Excess water can weaken the walls, floors, and ceilings of structures very quickly. This is especially true if the water is moving at high velocity, as the water’s speed alone could damage your home’s foundation and structural integrity. It could also damage your insulation, leading to increased heating costs.

Electrical Damage

Electricity and water do not mix under any circumstances, so it should come as no surprise that your electrics may be damaged following a flood. Avoid touching outlets, exposed wires, or anything electric until they’ve been checked over by a professional. Untreated electrical damage can pose a serious fire hazard, so it’s essential that they’re tended to as soon as possible.

Mold and Mildew

Mold and mildew love nothing more than damp, warm spaces. Guess what your entire home will become after a flood? Exactly that. Beyond smelling and appearing unpleasant, mold and mildew can prove significantly harmful both to your property and all of its inhabitants.

Suffering From Flooding Damage in Port St. Lucie, FL? ADU Can Help

Floods can be deeply traumatic experiences, especially when they’re unexpected. Knowing how to stay prepared is essential. With this guide, you’re equipped for almost every outcome.

For all the floods you can’t adequately prepare for, we’re here. All Dry USA has years of experience restoring homes and properties following floods to their original health. If you’ve recently experienced a flood and need water damage or mold restoration services, contact us today! Our experts are ready to answer any and all questions you may have.

All Dry USA Customer Reviews