Flood Risks: Myth vs Fact
When it comes to flood damage, being prepared for anything is better than trying to solve the problem after major flooding occurs. Levees provide tremendous benefits to communities in regards to flood mitigation. Let's take a look at some myths revolving around flood risks and levees, and get to the real truth behind them.
Although some places have a higher flood risk, there's not a magical boundary where flood risk just stops. Flooding can occur anywhere, at anytime. In fact, 20% of flood insurance claims come from areas considered to have a moderate to low risk for flooding. Expect the unexpected and be prepared for anything no matter where you live!
While levees may reduce flood risk, they don't completely eliminate it. Levees have limits and can be over-topped by rising waters. (That's where Big Bags USA® flood barriers can come in handy!) Levees can also fail due to improper maintenance, erosion, seepage, or even burrowing animals can cause damage. Flood risk can be further reduced by implementing flood plain management actions such as evacuation plans, zoning ordinances, building codes and public outreach.
While development might be discouraged in some areas, there's no law preventing development in areas that could flood. The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) works with state and local governments to use their authority and support their responsibilities in determining how to use land in floodplains and to enforce "flood-wise" requirements.
Contrary to popular belief, the USACE's levee safety program only accounts for about 10% of the nation's levees. However, almost 10 million people live or work behind that small percentage of levees and therefore, the USACE considers their role in assessing and communicating risks a top priority.
In order for the government to provide assistance, an area must be officially declared a disaster area. Then if assistance is granted, it usually takes the form of low-interest loans that must be repaid. Just a few inches of flood water can cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage. That's why it's so important that you take out a flood insurance policy, especially if you live in an area with high flood risks.
The USACE uses both dams and levees for flood risk management. However, they are both very different structures. Levees help create higher boundaries than a body of water's natural banks and can protect a community from flood waters up to a point. Dams on the other hand, are built to hold back massive amounts of water, releasing only as much as the operators intend. Over the years, both levees and dams have help saved lives and reduces property damage by reducing flood risks.
Our large polypropylene sandbags offer a solution for many different water control situations, including levee heightening. In the event of a possible levee over-topping, Big Bags USA® flood barrier systems can easily add up to an additional 6 feet with no necessary preparations. Our systems can be deployed lightening fast, and at a fraction of the costs typically associated with rapid deployed systems. Give us a call today at 800-337-0537 to learn more about how our flood barriers are meeting flood mitigation and flood preparedness needs across the United States.
Myth #1: I don't live in a flood zone, so I'm not at risk for flooding.
Although some places have a higher flood risk, there's not a magical boundary where flood risk just stops. Flooding can occur anywhere, at anytime. In fact, 20% of flood insurance claims come from areas considered to have a moderate to low risk for flooding. Expect the unexpected and be prepared for anything no matter where you live!
Myth #2: If I live behind a levee, I'm safe from flooding.
While levees may reduce flood risk, they don't completely eliminate it. Levees have limits and can be over-topped by rising waters. (That's where Big Bags USA® flood barriers can come in handy!) Levees can also fail due to improper maintenance, erosion, seepage, or even burrowing animals can cause damage. Flood risk can be further reduced by implementing flood plain management actions such as evacuation plans, zoning ordinances, building codes and public outreach.
Myth #3: The government won't allow development in areas at high risk of flooding.
While development might be discouraged in some areas, there's no law preventing development in areas that could flood. The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) works with state and local governments to use their authority and support their responsibilities in determining how to use land in floodplains and to enforce "flood-wise" requirements.
Myth #4: The US Army Corps of Engineers oversees and manages all levees across the country.
Contrary to popular belief, the USACE's levee safety program only accounts for about 10% of the nation's levees. However, almost 10 million people live or work behind that small percentage of levees and therefore, the USACE considers their role in assessing and communicating risks a top priority.
Myth #5: If a levee fails, the government will cover damages.
In order for the government to provide assistance, an area must be officially declared a disaster area. Then if assistance is granted, it usually takes the form of low-interest loans that must be repaid. Just a few inches of flood water can cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage. That's why it's so important that you take out a flood insurance policy, especially if you live in an area with high flood risks.
Myth #6: A levee is the same as a dam.
The USACE uses both dams and levees for flood risk management. However, they are both very different structures. Levees help create higher boundaries than a body of water's natural banks and can protect a community from flood waters up to a point. Dams on the other hand, are built to hold back massive amounts of water, releasing only as much as the operators intend. Over the years, both levees and dams have help saved lives and reduces property damage by reducing flood risks.
Our large polypropylene sandbags offer a solution for many different water control situations, including levee heightening. In the event of a possible levee over-topping, Big Bags USA® flood barrier systems can easily add up to an additional 6 feet with no necessary preparations. Our systems can be deployed lightening fast, and at a fraction of the costs typically associated with rapid deployed systems. Give us a call today at 800-337-0537 to learn more about how our flood barriers are meeting flood mitigation and flood preparedness needs across the United States.
If you have an immediate need for our systems, or have any questions for us, please Call us Toll Free at 1-800-337-0537 or visit www.BigBagsUSA.com.
If you have an immediate need for our systems, or have any questions for us, please Call us Toll Free at 1-800-337-0537 or visit www.BigBagsUSA.com.
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