Spring Flooding in Long Island NY
Mark Twain famously quipped that he once counted one hundred and thirty six types of weather during spring within a period of 24 hrs. It might sound contradictory, but the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) seems to concur that spring is one of the most unpredictable seasons in the U.S. As a homeowner, you will have to contend with storms, floods, tornadoes and all these can be experienced on the same day.
Why Does Spring Flooding Happen?
The main concern is of course spring flooding. The National Weather Service (NWS) indicates that warm weather causes snow-melts and heavy rain on the other hand causes overflow in rivers and lakes. The ground is not yet thawed and this means soils cannot absorb this increasing water flow. As a conscious homeowner, you need to be cautious in order to protect your family and also save your precious home.
Forewarned is Forearmed
Here are a few invaluable tips to stay safe during these unexpected floods:
- Work on the Grading
During winter, your grading is neglected and this might lead to stagnating water against the walls. You need to hire a contractor to correct the grading away from the walls. This reduces lateral water pressure against these walls, which could otherwise lead to cracks and basement leaks.
- Clear the Drainage Systems
The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) argues that over 95% of home flooding during spring can be avoided if drainage outlets are cleaned and properly maintained. You need a contractor to check sewer backwater valves to prevent backflow into the house in case of floods. You also need to look for frozen pipes in order to have them cleared. Gutters and downspouts also need to be cleared by an experienced contractor.
- Your Family’s Safety
Every family needs to have a flood safety plan. You need to formulate an evacuation plan in case the weather worsens. You should also stock food and medical supplies in case of a flood warning. Some of the gear you need includes stocked first aid kit, list of your neighbor and authorities’ numbers, battery-operated torches in case of power outages, water, blankets, and other such accessories.
- Install a Sump Pump and Battery Backup Pump
If there is one flooding mitigation method that works magic, it is the sump pump. This efficient system ensures your basement or crawl space stays water even as the water level rises. The fact that the basement is the main route for storm water makes a sump pump and a battery backup invaluable part of your flood safety plan.
It is also important to stay abreast about all spring flooding alerts and news around your city. Such information keeps you forewarned and ever ready. Forewarned is indeed forearmed.
