Floods in Jacksonville, NC

Do you want to protect your family from flooding in Jacksonville, NC? Learn about the different types of flooding, your local areas most at risk, and how you can protect yourself before, during, and after a flood hits. Below, we’re also sharing the risks of property damage that flooding can cause and how ADU can help.

If you’ve already found yourself a victim of flooding, act now. Call ADU for restoration services. We’re here to help.

Is Jacksonville, NC, in a Flood Zone?

Jacksonville, NC, is part of Onslow County, North Carolina, where much of the land is in a flood zone due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and New River. Areas closest to the coast are in Flood Zones A-C, while areas of Jacksonville that are more inland are primarily in Flood Zone D.

According to FEMA, Zone A areas are at a high risk of flooding, with a 1% annual chance of flooding and a 26% chance throughout a 30-year mortgage. B and C areas have a moderate risk of flooding, including areas that may be protected by levees or shallow flooding areas. These areas may have local drainage or ponding problems that could create flooding but are at a lower risk overall than areas in flood zone A.

What Types of Flooding Affect Jacksonville, NC?

The Jacksonville, NC, area often experiences flooding due to poor weather or overflowing bodies of water.

Flash Flooding

Flash floods are immediate, dangerous forms of flooding caused by a severe storm or heavy and sudden rainfall. It can fill streets quickly with several feet of water. Flash floods set on quickly, generally in less than six hours.

Coastal Flooding

Coastal flooding is triggered when a hurricane or tropical storm pushes water levels over the shoreline and into coastal cities like Jacksonville. This type of flooding often does more damage due to high winds, waves, and storm surges that can move debris around in a destructive manner.

River Flooding

Riverine flooding is caused by heavy rainfalls that drive rivers or streams to increase their water levels. This type of flooding affects Jacksonville most often during the spring and summer months, when storms are more frequent.

Urban Flooding

Urban floods are caused by stormwater run-off that has nowhere to go due to the development of buildings and pavement. This type of flooding is more common in cities like Jacksonville, which are densely populated with roads, buildings, and other infrastructure.

What Areas in Jacksonville Are Most at Risk of Flooding?

If you live in Jacksonville and you’re close to the coast, you’re at an increased risk of flooding. Any homes or businesses directly on the coastline are at the highest risk of water damage, especially concerning coastal floods. Additionally, any homes located along the New River or other waterways are at a higher risk of river flooding.

Areas near the ocean may also be at a greater risk of flash flooding due to their proximity to weather systems in the ocean that may produce heavy rainfall.

What Are the Main Hazards Associated With Flooding?

Floods bring hazards with them, including health risks, property damage, polluted waters, or disrupted service.

Polluted Floodwaters

Floodwaters may contain various hazardous materials, such as sewage and chemicals. When these floodwaters enter your home or business, they can cause health risks to those in contact with the water.

Health Risks

Flooding can also bring many different kinds of bacteria and other organisms that create a risk for illness. Inhaling or coming in contact with the water can cause skin irritation, wound infections, nausea, and other illnesses.

Property Damage

Floodwaters can cause significant damage to your property, including furniture, electronics, appliances, and more. Additionally, the water may cause structural damage to walls and floors. Flood damage that’s left untreated can lead to mold growth, which can bring even more health hazards. This is a common worry for those living in flood zones.

Disrupted Service

Flooding can cause problems with public services, such as electricity, water, internet, sewage systems, and more. This disruption in services may be temporary but could last days or weeks, depending on the severity of the flooding and the area’s ability to restore service.

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

There are several steps you can take to protect yourself from flooding before, during, and after it hits.

Before the Flood

• Make an emergency kit. Put together a kit of supplies you can use in case of an emergency. This should include food, water, medications, flashlights and batteries, first aid supplies, important documents, and more.
• Know your evacuation routes. Know where you need to go if the situation warrants an evacuation. Have multiple routes planned in case one is blocked off or there’s too much traffic.
• Ensure you have flood insurance, as most homeowners’ policies do not include flood damage.
• Take inventory of your household. What valuable items do you have? What furniture? Make a list and take photos to document for insurance purposes.
• Know your flood risk. Are you in a Flood Zone A? Look up your address using the flood map tool from FEMA to see if you’re in an area prone to floods.

During the Flood

• Heed all warnings and evacuation orders from local authorities. If they’re telling you to evacuate, leave quickly and safely.
• Store clean water. Have plenty of clean water on hand in case of a power outage or water contamination.
• Listen to your local news reports. Stay in the loop about what’s happening in the Jacksonville area, so you know when it’s safe to go outside or return home.
• Avoid contact with floodwaters. Floodwaters may contain debris, chemicals, or bacteria that can be hazardous to your health if you come into contact with them.
• Turn off your electricity if necessary. Shutting off your electricity can help you avoid short circuits, electrocution, and other hazards that come with it.

After the Flood

• If you evacuated, wait to hear that it’s safe before you return home.
• Watch out for and avoid debris or falling items such as trees, power lines, or wires.
• If out of power, use flashlights rather than candles to reduce the fire risk.
• If cleaning up, wear protective equipment to avoid injury.
• Check with your local health department to find out if drinking the water is safe.
• Throw away any spoiled food or food exposed to floodwaters.

Common Types of Property Damage Caused by Floods in Jacksonville

When a flood hits, you may be susceptible to property damage such as water damage, sewage backup, leaks, or mold.

Water Damage

Water damage includes damage caused by direct contact with floodwaters, such as furniture and carpets that are saturated and ruined. Additionally, it may include damages from the moisture in the air after a flood.

Sewage Backup

Floods can also cause sewage backup, which refers to raw wastewater coming through your plumbing system due to an overflow. This can lead to significant property damage as well as a health hazard.

Leaks

Floods may also cause leaks in your walls or foundation due to the pressure of the water against those surfaces. Leaks can cause serious damage and should be fixed quickly to ensure the structural integrity of your home.

Mold Growth

Finally, floodwaters create the perfect environment for mold to grow. Address mold growth quickly to prevent further damage or illness; even if you don’t see mold growth, it may still exist. Health signs of mold presence include stuffy nose, coughing, sore throat, skin rash, or burning eyes. Those with mold allergies or asthma may react severely to mold.

Suffering From Flooding Damage in Jacksonville, NC? ADU Can Help

If your home or business has already been affected by a flood, ADU can help. We offer professional interior water damage and mold restoration services to help restore your property after a flood. Our team of experienced technicians will assess the damage and create a plan tailored to your specific needs, then get to work quickly to minimize the impact so you can get your house (and life) back to normal. Call ADU today.

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