Preparing for the Spring Thaw
While people across the country are looking forward to the warmer weather after a cold winter, there are some added flood risks associated with the spring season. Spring showers along with rapid snowmelt increase flood risks everywhere. According to the NOAA, flooding causes more damage in the United States than any other weather-related event. Now's the time to start preparing your community for the spring thaw, especially if you live in an area that's subject to a lot of snow. Keep reading to learn more about the spring thaw and what you can do to be prepared!
As the warmer temperatures of spring arrive, snow starts to melt. This snowmelt can produce large amounts of runoff in a short period of time. During the early spring, frozen soil prevents melting snow or rainfall from seeping into the ground. That water then runs into lakes, streams and rivers, causing excess water to spill over the banks. When you add spring storms to the mix, the result is often major flooding.
In addition, snowmelt and the breakup of river ice often occur at the same time. Ice jams often form as a result of the sudden force on the ice by a surge of runoff. Ice jams can then act as dams on the river, resulting in flooding behind the dam until the ice melts or the jam weakens. A serious ice jam will threaten areas both upstream and downstream. Once an ice jam gives way, areas may experience flash flooding as all the water and debris that was trapped rushes downstream.
Everyone is at risk of spring flooding, whether you live near a body of water or not. Just a few inches of flood water can cause thousands of dollars in property damage. Now is the time to prepare. Here are a few things you can start doing now in preparation for the spring flooding season:
Big Bags USA® flood control systems can handle the highest demands at a fraction of the costs normally associated with rapid deployed systems. Our large polypropylene sandbags deploy 200 times faster than traditional sandbag walls, and they use just 1/2 the amount of sand used in a sandbag wall built to the same height. Our systems are field tested and proven to protect against moving logs and ice-jams, so they are the perfect solution to all your spring thaw flooding problems. Give us a call at 800-337-0537 to learn more about protecting your community from spring flooding with the help of Big Bags USA®!
The Spring Thaw
As the warmer temperatures of spring arrive, snow starts to melt. This snowmelt can produce large amounts of runoff in a short period of time. During the early spring, frozen soil prevents melting snow or rainfall from seeping into the ground. That water then runs into lakes, streams and rivers, causing excess water to spill over the banks. When you add spring storms to the mix, the result is often major flooding.
Ice Jams
In addition, snowmelt and the breakup of river ice often occur at the same time. Ice jams often form as a result of the sudden force on the ice by a surge of runoff. Ice jams can then act as dams on the river, resulting in flooding behind the dam until the ice melts or the jam weakens. A serious ice jam will threaten areas both upstream and downstream. Once an ice jam gives way, areas may experience flash flooding as all the water and debris that was trapped rushes downstream.
Be Prepared
Everyone is at risk of spring flooding, whether you live near a body of water or not. Just a few inches of flood water can cause thousands of dollars in property damage. Now is the time to prepare. Here are a few things you can start doing now in preparation for the spring flooding season:
- Remove Snow - Move as much snow and ice away from your property as you can. Try to move it towards a down slope that will direct runoff away from your building's foundation.
- Clean Your Gutters - Make sure your gutters, downspouts, storm drains and basins are all clear of debris, so they can work properly to keep water flowing away from your property.
- Keep Water Out - Flood protection barriers such as Big Bags USA® are available to keep water out of your building and away from your property.
- Have a Family Evacuation Plan - Plan and practice flood evacuation routes from home, work and school that are on higher ground. Make sure everyone is aware of your meeting place in case you are split up during a flooding event.
- Put Together an Emergency Kit - Be sure to include a flashlight with extra batteries, cash, a first-aid kit and bottled water.
- Keep Important Papers and Valuables in a Safe Place - Consider getting a waterproof/fireproof lock box to keep your important papers in or keep them in a safety deposit box at your bank. In addition, you should keep thorough documentation of all your belongings; this will come in handy in the event you need to file a flood insurance claim.
- Review Your Insurance Coverage - Most standard homeowners policies do not cover flood damage, so you'll want to consider purchasing a separate flood policy. Remember that it takes 30 days for a new flood insurance policy to take effect, so get your policy squared away now.
Big Bags USA® Flood Protection
Big Bags USA® flood control systems can handle the highest demands at a fraction of the costs normally associated with rapid deployed systems. Our large polypropylene sandbags deploy 200 times faster than traditional sandbag walls, and they use just 1/2 the amount of sand used in a sandbag wall built to the same height. Our systems are field tested and proven to protect against moving logs and ice-jams, so they are the perfect solution to all your spring thaw flooding problems. Give us a call at 800-337-0537 to learn more about protecting your community from spring flooding with the help of Big Bags USA®!
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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