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Showing posts from February, 2020

Spring Thaw is Coming - Are You Ready?

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There may be snow moving through the Midwest right now, but that doesn’t mean that spring isn’t on its way. In fact, spring is less than a month away, and if you live in a flood-prone area, you will need to protect your home from water damage. The team at Big Bags USA can help provide communities and businesses with ideas on how to prevent flood damage through the use of our portable flood barrier system, but there are still some other things you need to know. Here are a few ways you can prepare for the big spring thaw and not be taken off guard. Look for Leaks and Cracks One of the best ways you can prevent water damage from rainwater and snowmelt is to make sure that the exterior materials of your home are well constructed and maintained. Here are a few areas where water tries to get into your home: Windows & Doors: Look for leaks around your windows and doors, especially near the corners. Also look for peeling paint, which can be a sign of water getting into the wood....

Top 5 of the Most Expensive Floods in US History

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Flooding is both catastrophic and no respecter of time or persons. There have been floods happening for thousands and thousands of years, but only until recently have we had the technology to both predict it and protect from them. At Big Bags USA, we have created a flood barrier system that is cost-effective, fast, and even reusable. However, communities of other decades have not been as lucky. Here are the top five most expensive floods in the US since 1978, as well as some interesting details about them. 1. Hurricane Katrina Flooding Affected area: Southern Louisiana Year: 2005 Cost: $103.9 billion Part of the tragedy of Katrina is tied to how humans have altered the landscape around New Orleans. New Orleans was once above sea level when French settlers first arrived there 300 years ago, but swamp drainage has caused the city to sink. The areas below sea level, those most at risk to flooding, have generally been home to the city’s poorest residents. What's more, Ne...

Winter Poses Many Flooding Risks

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While for some areas it may feel like winter is almost over, there are many parts of the country where winter is still a big deal. One of the deadliest winter weather hazards is flooding. Slippery roads can cause car accidents and heavy snow cover can take a toll on our home, but flooding is something many people don’t prepare for during the winter. The tricky part of winter is the temperature fluctuations, the unseasonable warmth can bring rain, which could also cause any snow that may have accumulated to melt. Unfortunately, ever region in the US is at risk for winter flooding , and while most are focused on ice and snow this time of year, it’s still important to consider winter flood risks. Thankfully, Big Bags USA flood barriers come in handy this time of year! Flooding from Snow and Rain Mix Many of the worst Winter floods in the US are caused by a combination of heavy rains and melting snow. These events are tough to forecast, but they will become more common as the pla...

Can Big Bags USA® Construction Barriers Help with Bridge Projects?

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YES! Using the Big Bags USA Flood Barriers can definitely help with bridge projects. The Missouri Department of Transportation is constantly working to improve transportation throughout the state. This means that they are regularly working to improve roadways and bridges. Bridge maintenance and reconstruction can be a huge undertaking, and the dewatering projects can be involved and strenuous - this is where Big Bags USA comes into play! Check out these upcoming bridge projects and see why Big Bags USA can be so valuable. JASPER COUNTY ROUTE U/SPRING RIVER BRIDGE REHABILITATION Project Facts: Replace existing bridge deck/driving surface and install new barrier walls Replace expansion joints and repair other bridge components Bridge built in 1966 Bridge deck/driving surface experiencing severe deterioration The bridge carries 442 vehicles per day Construction: Fall 2019 to Fall 2020 (Once the bridge is closed, contractor crews have four (4) months to complete work and reo...