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Prepared for Spring Flooding…NFIP has some tips

The official site of the NFIP, Floodsmart.gov, has published some bullet points covering several types of spring flood events. We at Flood Flaps thought it would be helpful to pass along their info.

Spring flooding risks
www.floodsmart.gov – Spring flooding risks

How Prepared Are You for Spring Flooding?
Warmer spring weather brings everything from heavy rain to snowmelt, which can increase your risk of flooding. Get the facts, know the risk, and take action to prepare before seasonal events strike.
Heavy Rains
Many areas of the country are at heightened risk for flooding due to heavy rains. This excessive amount of rainfall can happen anytime throughout the year, putting your property at risk.
Storms over the Pacific Ocean bring heavy rains to the western United States between the months of November and April. Spring rains in colder climates can lead to flooding when the still-frozen ground cannot absorb the water. And summer months often bring heavy rains to the eastern and southern United States as warm air and moisture from the ocean move inland.
Cresting rivers, backed-up storm drains or saturated ground can cause significant, widespread floods during these times.
Prepare For Heavy Rains
1. Review your current homeowners insurance policy and become familiar with what is and is not covered, as damage due to flooding is typically not covered.
2. Call your insurance agent to purchase flood insurance for your home (and business) and its contents.
3. Make a flood plan and plan evacuation routes.
4. Itemize and take pictures of possessions.
5. Keep valuable items and family heirlooms on the upper floors of your home or building.
6. For more information about how to prepare for a flood, click here.
7. To learn more about flood risks associated with heavy rains, download this fact sheet.

El Niño
El Niño is a weather pattern that begins with unusually warm temperatures in the Pacific. El Niño typically results in more rain, and this year’s strong El Niño could bring frequent and intense storms to the southern tier of states—from California to Texas to the Carolinas. However, El Niño’s effects can mean unpredictable weather across the United States.
Heavy rains caused by El Niño could lead to devastating flooding, especially in areas affected by prolonged drought and recentwildfires. To learn more about flood risks during El Niño, download our fact sheet, which is also available in Spanish.
Flash Flood
In the United States, floods are the most common severe weather emergency. They can roll boulders, tear out trees and destroy buildings and bridges. A flash flood is a rapid flooding of low-lying areas in less than six hours, which is caused by intense rainfall from a thunderstorm or several thunderstorms. Flash floods can also occur from the collapse of a man-made structure or ice dam.
See a Flash Flood scenario right now.
Spring Thaw
Spring brings warmer temperatures and heavy rain. But until the ground thaws, melting snow and rain cannot be absorbed. The water can result in the overflow of streams, rivers, and lakes that flood nearby homes and businesses.
Rivers and streams that froze during the winter also begin to thaw. As the ice breaks and travels downstream, ice jams can block the flow of water, creating flooding upstream. Add spring rain to the mix, and the result can be serious, widespread flooding.
Ice Jams
Long cold spells can cause the surface of rivers to freeze. When a rise in the water level or a thaw breaks the ice into large chunks, these chunks can become jammed at man-made and natural obstructions, resulting in severe flooding.
 
Snowmelt
A midwinter or early spring thaw can produce large amounts of runoff in a short period of time. Because the ground is hard and frozen, water cannot penetrate and be reabsorbed. The water then runs off the surface and flows into lakes, streams and rivers, causing excess water to spill over their banks.
 
Flood Flaps Foundation Flood Vents
Flood Flaps Foundation Flood Vents

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