Were you aware that floods are the number one natural calamities in the United States? Floods are an overflow of water that submerges land, which is typically dry. People who live in non-resistant buildings or floodplains and do not have warning systems or awareness are the most vulnerable to floods.

Why Do Floods Happen?

Floods can take place anywhere in the country, day or night. They generally arise from heavy rainfall, rapid snowmelt, or a storm surge from a tsunami or hurricane in coastal areas. They can develop quickly or gradually, triggering outages, interrupting transportation, damaging buildings, or causing landslides.

The most common kinds of floods are:

• Flash Floods. Resulting from rapid and excessive rainfall that raises water heights quickly. 
• River Floods. Consistent rain or snowmelt that forces a river to exceed capacity leads to river floods. 
• Coastal Floods. They are caused by storm surges connected with tsunamis and tropical cyclones.

5 Most Common Devastating Results of Floods

1. Death

Death is the most devastating effect of flooding. Flash floods can claim the lives of individuals, pets, wild animals, and livestock. For example, in 2005, over 1,100 deaths were recorded in Louisiana caused by Hurricane Katrina. Reports said that numerous of these occurred in the flooded parts of New Orleans, one of the state’s major cities.

In most cases, drowning is the cause of death in flood disasters. Heart attacks, physical trauma, electrocution, physical trauma, carbon monoxide poisoning, and fire associated with flooding are also among the causes.

2. Health and Safety Threats

If flood water is not cleaned up immediately, it can result in several health problems, including:

• Chemical hazards
• Water and vector-borne diseases, like cholera, typhoid, or malaria
• Mental health effects associated with emergencies
• Injuries
• Infections

3. Property Damage

Water damage is the common reason for structural damage due to floods. This includes your house, business, cars, equipment, and belongings. In cases like these, you need professional property repair services. To find the most trustworthy contractors, you can ask for recommendations from individuals you know who have worked with them in the past.

Also, you can find them online but beware of unlicensed and uninsured companies. Make sure to check reviews and testimonials from their previous clients. If you live in New York, disaster restoration services Orchard Park experts are just one click away. Thanks to the fast connection speed.

4. Economic Loss

Sadly, not all insurance companies cover water damage resulting from floods, causing huge financial pressure on flood damage victims. So, you have to ensure that you have proper flood insurance coverage for your home or business by keeping upgraded on your current coverage. On the other hand, visit the website of the contractors you hire to find out if they’re insured.

You don’t want to risk your property and belongings.

5. Emotional Difficulties

Flood victims may face coping difficulties because of their situation leading to:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Fear
• Anger
• Frustration
• Grief
• Sadness

These symptoms can interfere with their day-to-day lives, such as trouble sleeping, relationships, loss of appetite, etc.

Are You a Flood Victim?

You never know when it happens, so ensure that your flood insurance can cover potential damages to your home when a disaster strikes. Though you can act immediately to avoid additional damage to your property, water damage requires experts. Most importantly, never delay water damage clean-up.

Additionally, it is essential to keep emergency contact numbers at hand, including property restoration companies.