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Water damage from flooding is one of the most common hazards in the United States, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). It is also one of the most costly, costing about $17 billion annually from 2010 to 2018 in flood damage restoration, reconstruction, and repair. Sustaining water damage to your home is never an easy experience.
Below, we’ll identify the at-risk areas in the US for flooding and discuss the impact of flooding on residential and commercial properties.
A Looming Disaster: New Data Reveal Where Flood Damage Is An Existential Threat
New data provided by the First Street Foundation (via NPR) revealed that more than 4 million houses and small apartment buildings are at risk of flooding and flood damage each year, which is widely considered an existential threat. Currently, a significant number of counties from the following states are at risk:
- West Virginia
- Eastern Part of Kentucky
- Tennessee
- Idaho
- Minnesota
- Washington
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- New York
- Vermont
- Coastal Areas in Texas, Florida, Louisiana, and California
The data also shows that most counties in Illinois don’t face the same level of risk. However, despite the relative lack of exposure, the threat remains, especially in Chicago. Urban flooding is common throughout the Chicago metropolitan area when the city’s water drainage systems are overwhelmed.
In the North Shore region, flooding is also a significant concern when the lake overflows because of torrential rainfall. When this occurs, getting in touch with restoration experts specializing in flood damage in Chicago North Shore is always helpful.
The Role of Climate Change in Flooding
The First Street Foundation estimates that the cost of flood damage to US homes will increase by more than 50% in the next 30 years because of the effects of global warming.
Aside from rising sea levels, the flood problem is also made worse by the increase in moisture available in the atmosphere, which also increases the amount of water released each time it rains. Furthermore, rains now occur more frequently, which further intensifies the effects of inland flooding.
The Disastrous Impact of Floods
Flooding can be caused by many factors, from thunderstorms to hurricanes to excessive snow. But aside from the natural causes, flooding can also be caused by an overburdened sewage and drainage system, a failure in the main water pipeline, or a dam failure.
All these factors can occur at any time with the following disastrous consequences:
Health and Safety Risks
The rush of floodwaters poses the greatest safety risk to you and your family. During a flood, it is paramount that you seek higher ground and avoid moving around no matter how high or low the level of water is to prevent physical injuries. Flood damage in Chicago North Shore can pose the following safety risks:
- Being caught in the rapid flow of floodwater
- Slipping and tripping
- Concealment of sharp objects and deep holes
- Electrocution due to live wires touching floodwaters
Aside from the initial safety risks, floods also pose significant health risks during and after a flood. These include:
- Sanitary hazards and diseases from standing water
- Contaminated water entering open wounds
- Drinking contaminated water
- Consumption of damaged and contaminated food products
- Contact with disease-causing mold
- Increase in mosquito population due to standing water
Loss of Life
Perhaps the most devastating impact of flood damage in Chicago North Shore is when it leads to death of loved ones. During a flood, it’s imperative to seek a safe place where you can steer clear of the dangers of rushing floodwaters.
And in the aftermath of a flood, it’s vital to call a reliable service provider of flood damage mitigation and restoration in Chicago North shore to help you in damage mitigation and clearing away potential health and safety risks and avoid incidents that can claim the life of anyone in your family.
Emotional Turmoil
It’s not uncommon for floods to cause emotional turmoil among flood victims. Depending on the events that transpired, flood victims may be unable to cope and experience stress, anxiety, fear, grief, depression, and frustration while coming to terms with the event.
Damage to Property and Economic Loss
The most apparent impact of flooding is damage to property and economic loss. According to the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), an average of $4.8 billion is lost due to flooding per event during a tropical cyclone. Top contributors to the overwhelming economic losses after significant flooding events include:
- Structural damage
- Loss of household property
- Vehicle damage
- Destruction of commercial properties
- Loss of crops and livestock
- Cost of medical treatment
Call the Experts in Flood Damage Mitigation and Restoration in Chicago North Shore
Floods are one of the most destructive events in the world. After any flooding event, you can almost always expect significant property damage, especially for residents living in at-risk neighborhoods. Fortunately, the Chicago area doesn’t have the same risk level as the above areas. However, that doesn’t mean the threat is non-existent.
Flooding can occur at any time, whether weather-related or due to failing water systems. Regardless of the cause, acting swiftly is always the best course of action to reduce health and safety risks, mitigate damage, and minimize property loss. Get in touch and call Restoration 1 of Chicago North Shore – the experts in flood damage restoration and mitigation!
