Flash Floods

6/29/2021 (Permalink)

While early June was hot and dry, this past week has brought quite a bit of rain to our area.  Summer rains can sometimes result in Flash Floods. According to Wikipedia, “A Flash Flood Warning is a hazardous weather statement issued by the National Weather Forecasting agencies throughout the world to alert the public that a flash flood is imminent or occurring in the warned area.  A flash flood is a sudden, violent flood after a heavy rain, or occasionally after a dam break.  Rainfall intensity and duration, topography, soil conditions and ground cover contribute to the flash flooding.”

Flash flooding can present a risk for water damage to your home or business.  Flash floods can result in water flowing across the ground like a river.  If the ground around your home or business is not properly graded/pitched so that water flows away from the building, flowing water can flow towards your home and enter through basement windows, doors and other openings causing a significant amount of water damage. 

It is important to periodically take a level and check the ground around your home or business to ensure it is properly pitched away from the structure.  Pay particular attention to planting beds and other areas where the slope of the ground may be hidden by bushes or other vegetation.  What you want to see is a slope or pitch away from your home of 1 inch per foot.

Following is a great video showing you how to check your slope and fill any low areas as necessary.  This simple maintenance can prevent water damage and save you money and stress.  How to Properly Grade Around Your Home - YouTube