Understanding What Causes Flooding In Your Area

Alpharetta homeowners suffer a lot of property damage due to flash floods. Streams, creeks, and ponds can rise quickly out of their banks after a hard rain. Since many of our streams start outside of the city limits, houses can flood even if it is not raining. 

Flash floods can be very dangerous. There are more deaths that occur each year due to flooding than from any other thunderstorm-related occurrence. Over half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water. As little as twelve inches of rushing water can carry away a car.

Water Damage Restoration In Alpharetta 

Businesses and homes can be damaged as well. According to the Insurance Services Office (ISO), water damage claims are the second largest frequent insurance claim after wind and hail damage. Companies such as Restoration 1 of North Atlanta have full services that can help after a flood or any other water damage. 

Why Does Flooding Increase In The Summer? 

Flooding can happen anytime it rains for several days in a row. In some instances, if it rains really hard for several hours or when melting snow gets melted by more rain, it can cause high amounts of water. Here in Georgia when the weather is hotter in the summer, more moisture is evaporated into the clouds. This next part of the water cycle becomes ready for intense rain that might also lead to flooding. 

More sunny days that bring on moisture-filled clouds can lead to thunderstorms. When these storms move slowly, a tremendous amount of rain can fall in a localized area. If the ground was already saturated with moisture, the water can’t sink into the ground, it just starts to flow over the earth. 

What Is In Floodwater

As clear rainwater overflows the local streams and ponds, it begins to flow over the roads and fields. By the time it makes its way into your home, the floodwater can contain many things that may be harmful as follows:

• Sewage: Both human and livestock 
• Hazardous waste: Household, medical, industrial, chemical, biological, and radiological 
• Physical objects: Lumber, vehicles, and debris
• Wild or stray animals, bugs, rodents, or snakes 

If you have had flood water breach your doorway, you need qualified professionals to safely clean it up. They are prepared with the equipment you need and are ready to work. 

What Does A Homeowners Policy Cover?

Most homeowners insurance policies help cover water damage if the cause is sudden and accidental. According to the Insurance Information Institute, homeowners insurance pays for certain repairs like a pipe burst or an appliance failing and flooding the kitchen. 

However, homeowners insurance does pay for repairs needed due to poor maintenance. So, if you fail to repair a leaky toilet for months, homeowners insurance will more likely not pay to fix the damaged floor in the bathroom.

What Does A Flood Insurance Policy Cover?

The official, industry definition of flood is, “an excess of water on land that is normally dry, affecting two or more acres of land or two or more properties.” In such a case, a National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policy covers direct physical losses due to flood waters. 

This optional policy is separate from your existing homeowner plan and you will need to purchase it from an agent. The NFIP offers two types of coverage: building coverage and content coverage that protects your home and belongings.

Water Damage Restoration Experts

When you discover water damage, call the professionals at Restoration 1 of North Atlanta immediately. They are ready to handle any degree of property damage from water, fire, sewage, or mold. The sooner the team gets to work, the less damage will occur. Contact us as we serve North Atlanta including Alpharetta and surrounding areas.