Floods Strike Everywhere

8/10/2023 (Permalink)

Whether you live near a coastline, along city streets, in the mountains, near a river or even in the desert, there is a potential for suffering flood

Floods ranks as one of the most common and widespread natural disasters in the United States. Whether you live near a coastline, along city streets, in the mountains, near a river or even in the desert, there is a potential for suffering flood damage. In fact, nearly 25% of last year’s claims paid by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) were for policies in moderate to low-risk communities. According the NFIP, houses in the United States have a 26% chance of being damaged by a flood during the course of a 30-year mortgage, while businesses face similar risks by flooding. On average, flood cost $6 billion in annual losses in the U.S. The following are a few more little-known flood facts:  

• Flood kills an average of 140 people per year in the U.S. making flooding the deadliest disaster.  
• More than half of all fatalities during floods are auto related, often the result of drivers misjudging the depth of water on a road and being swept away in a swiftly moving current.  
• The principle causes of floods in the eastern United States are hurricanes and storms.  
• The principle causes of floods in the western United States are snowmelt and rainstorms.  
• Underpasses can be some of the most dangerous places during a flash flood – especially at night, when it is difficult to see.  

With over 45 years of experience, SERVPRO® has restored flood-damaged homes and businesses from coast to coast. Our Disaster Recovery Team is trained and equipped to handle the largest storms and the highest flood waters.