Flood Damage from Hurricanes

Every year, the Gulf Coast is threatened by hurricanes. For the hurricanes that come close to land or actually make land fall, storm surge is often the greatest threat to land resulting from the ensuing hurricane.

Storm Surge is a complex phenomenon that relies on several different factors. Put simply, storm surge occurs when an abnormal water level rise occurs and the water is pushed onto shore by the wind force accompanying a low pressure system such as a tropical cyclone or hurricane. High winds push the ocean's surface and pile up higher than normal, thus creating a storm surge. Factors that affect the intensity of the surge include: radius of maximum winds, storm intensity, forward speed, angle of approach, shape of coast and the width and slope of the continental shelf.

In addition to the destructive forces of the surge itself, battery waves will often accompany the surge and add to the destructive forces. Because the storm surge extends inland, it allows a pathway for the waves to follow. As noted by the National Hurricane Center: "Water weighs approximately 1,700 pounds per cubic yard; extended pounding by frequent waves can demolish any structure not specifically designed to withstand such forces."

The devastation created by a storm surge is endless. Examples include: eroded beaches and highways, flooding, devastated buildings, damaged marinas and boats, dead vegetation, homeless animals and human fatalities. It is important to note that most fatalities that accompany a hurricane actually are caused by a storm surge or the accompanying flooding. Also important to note, in areas that usually have low and high tides, storm surges are most damaging during high tides.

By far, the storm surge that was the highest in feet and caused the most catastrophic damage was Hurricane Katrine 2005. Storm surge flooding reached 25 to 28 feet above normal tide levels along the Mississippi Coast and 10 to 20 feet above normal tide levels along the southeastern Louisiana coast. Close behind Katrina was Hurricane Camille 1969 with surge levels reaching 24 feet also along the Mississippi Coast. The largest recorded storm surge occurred in Australia in 1899 when the surge reached heights of 43 feet.

As history has shown us, storm surge is a devastating affect of hurricanes. Unfortunately, areas that are most prone to storm surges, the Atlantic and Gulf, are also densely populated and are responsible for over half of the United State's economic productivity.

A flood in your home. It can happen when you least expect it! From an inch worth of water that ruins your floors and furniture to losing your home to a flash flood. The next thing you know, the water damage is so severe that you have lost many of your precious belongings. It doesn't matter if you live in Palm Harbor, Tampa, New Port Richey or anywhere; if you live in Florida, you are at a higher risk of experiencing a flooded home.

We know that when faced with a flood, you will most likely be overcome with intense emotions so here is a step by step guide to help get you through the worst of it if your home ever floods. Water damage restoration must be performed as soon as possible and preferable immediately. Mold damage can occur because mold will begin to grow within 24-48 hours of water damage or flooding occurring. These steps are a guide but we suggest that if you experience a flood, that you call a certified water damage restoration company like 1-800-DRY-ME-OUT.

1) Try to remain calm.

2) Ensure that all children and pets are safe. If anyone is in trouble, call 911 immediately.

3) If possible, try to save any undamaged possessions and valuable documents. A good rule of thumb is to keep valuable documents in a waterproof and fireproof safe either on or off premise.

4) Leave the property and go to a place of safety. Flooded waters can contain contaminants that may make you sick. Read more about the three categories of water here.

5) Water extraction and restoration must take place as soon as possible! Mold colonies will form with 48 hours if water damage is not taken care of properly. Call a certified expert water damage restoration company like Advanced Restoration, Inc. immediately. 1-800-DRY-ME-OUT. We are available 24 hours seven days a week.

6) If there is a significant amount of flooding, contact your power company to disconnect the service until further notification.

7) Contact your insurance agent. Talk to your agent about whether or not you need to take any photos of the damage.

8) Relax knowing that your restoration company is trained in restoring your property to better than new conditions. Even though you may have lost some personal items through this emergency, rest assured knowing that you will be able to return home quickly and safely to create new memories.

If you have any questions on flooded homes, mold remediation or water mitigation, please contact 1-800-DRY-ME-OUT at 1-800-379-6368.

At 1-800-DRY-ME-OUT, we pride ourselves on restoring your home quickly, efficiently and always to better than new condition.

1-800-DRY-ME-OUT is a full service water damage restoration company that provides emergency water removal, water mitigation, carpet drying, mold remediation, fire damage, sinkhole and sewer cleanup services. 1-800-DRY-ME-OUT is located in Port Richey, Florida, and proudly services the West Gulf Coast of Florida. For more information, please visit http://www.drymeout.com