Can Forest Fires Increase Your Flood Risk?

Flooding can be one of the most common and costly hazards from nature in the nation. The causes can be from heavy rain, snowmelt, thunderstorms, hurricanes, or tropical storms - but the results can be devastating. One thing that many may have not realized was that flash floods are also common after wildfires. As we come to the end of the wildfire season, it’s still just as important as ever to remember how fires and flooding work hand in hand to create a double whammy.


Why Is The Risk Increased?

Did you know that an area remains at risk for flooding for up to five years after a wildfire? The reason behind this is because large-scale wildfires dramatically alter the terrain and ground conditions. Where vegetation would absorb water, a wildfire leaves the ground charred, barren, and unable to absorb water. This creates an environment that is prime for flooding.

In addition to flooding being a common after-effect, it’s also often more severe because debris and ash that is left from the fire can form mudflows. The rainwater will move across the charred ground and then pick up soil and sediment. The water will move this mixture into a stream of floodwater, and the resulting mudflows can cause significant damage.

How to Plan Ahead

Did you know that a flood does not have to be catastrophic to cost you large amounts of repair money? You don’t even have to live in a high-risk flood area to experience flooding damage. Around 20% of the flood insurance claims that occur are in moderate to low-risk areas. Here are a few things you should keep in mind:

Prepare Now
Gathering supplies in case of a natural disaster can help make evacuation faster. You can slowly strengthen your home against damages by investing in flood barriers, like Big Bags USA for example. You also want to review your insurance coverage. If you don’t have flood insurance, it will typically take around 30 days for a new policy to go into effect.

Flood Insurance Covers Flood Damage
Most homeowner’s policies do NOT cover flood damage. If you want to make sure that your home is covered in case of a flood, you will have to investigate and most likely purchase a flood insurance policy. Many can be relatively affordable and can save you a fortune in the end.

Plan Now
Look for your evacuation routes, keep important papers in a safe place, and conduct a home inventory. It can seem intimidating to itemize and take pictures of all of your possessions … but it’s important and you’ll be glad you did.


Fires & Flooding

It’s unfair that one area can be hit with so many forces of nature in such a short amount of time. Forest fires can be devastating to a community, and leave a wake of insurance bills and destruction. However, when a flood comes through and finishes it off - it’s unbearable. At Big Bags USA, we can’t solve every challenge, but we do want to come in and support communities where we can, and that’s with the fastest flood barriers on the market. Our Big Bags USA flood barrier system doesn’t need an army or large equipment to deploy. Want to see our efficient flood barriers in action? Check out our youtube channel! We’ve got several videos featuring the different aspects of our systems, and why they would be a great investment for your community. Let the Big Bags family be there for your family when you need help the most.

MADE IN THE USA ~ 100% Manufactured in Missouri ~ BUY AMERICAN  

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.



D.R.I.P.S.
Disaster Relief & Innovative
Protection Systems, LLC
(573) 480-6699

Let's Connect!


ALWAYS READY TO HELP LOCAL, STATE, & FEDERAL AGENCIES ... BE PREPARED!


Location: Camdenton, MO 65020, USA

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Ways to Use Big Bags USA® - Part 1

Image
Big Bags USA Flood Barriers are an innovative solution to a huge problem. Flooding occurs every single year across the nation. It’s caused by many different types of occurrences, both weather-related, and often times from failures due to man-made sources. The devastation that can be caused from a single flood is incredible, but it’s also heartbreaking to watch. This is what drove us to create the Big Bags Flood Barrier. Our system was made to be easy to afford, fast to deploy, and easy to save for the next time. Here are several ways you can use Big Bags flood barriers , and how they can make all of the difference in your situation. Flood Control This is one of the most common and popular uses for our easy deploy flood barriers . From the 2019 spring floods to the hurricanes on the East coast, our barriers are seen across the nation helping to control floodwaters. This could mean that we are protecting buildings from the water with these barriers, or even roads. Flood control ca...
Read more

Understanding Hydrophobic Soils

Image
Last year, California saw what has been considered the worst wildfire season on record! Unfortunately, those wildfires aren't the only thing people in those areas of California need to be concerned with. Those wildfires lead to what is known as "hydrophobic soils," which can lead to flooding and mud flows. Keep reading to learn more about hyrophobic soils and why people in California and other wildfire prone areas need to be prepared and have flood protection on hand. Hydrophobic Soils  Hydrophoic soils are just what they sound like, soils that "fear" water. This condition causes water to collect on the surface rather than infiltrate into the ground. The main cause of hydrophobic soils is wildfires. These soils are created when hydrocarbon residue is created after organic material is burnt. That then soaks into empty pore spaces in the soils, making it impervious to water. While this condition is temporary, it can increase water repellency, surface runof...
Read more

The Game Plan if it Floods at Your Business.

Image
  Unexpected floods can be caused by snow, excessive rain, thunderstorms, and many other natural causes. It can quickly happen and catch your business by surprise. It is important to keep in mind a few key flood control practices to keep you and your business as safe as possible. No building is completely waterproof, so it is necessary to have your ducks in a row if you are in a flood zone. Be sure to stock up on  Big Bags USA flood-control systems.  There are a variety of flood control products offered based on the nature of the flood. We will deploy based on your needs with a quick call to  Bigs Bags USA . Read on for a checklist of actions to take if your business or building floods. 1)  Shut Down all Utilities . Immediately turn off electricity and gas lines to your building. Also, shut off the water. If you are unsure where these are located, call your service provider.  2)  Contact Your Insurance . You should call your insurance company right awa...
Read more