Orange County Flood Warning

If you live in Orange County like me, then flood warnings are nothing new. Just last week, the National Weather Service issued yet another flood watch for Orange County. The flood warning lasted until 6 A.M. on Saturday. The National Weather Service said that the flood watch was issued after the massive amount of rain that fell on Friday in the area. During the afternoon the rain got heavy, and some areas received nearly 2 inches.

What should I do when a flood warning is issued?

Whenever a flood warning is issued for your area, whether you live in Orange County or not, you should start preparing in the event that a flood does happen. Getting prepared is the most important step to take when a flood warning is issued. This is because floods are one of the most costly and most frequent types of natural disasters. In fact, about 90 percent of all damage that is done during all natural disasters is caused by flood waters. Being prepared for a flood includes the placement of sand bags as well as stocking up on food and water. If there is a chance that the flood is going to be massive, it may be necessary to evacuate the area.

What can I do to protect my home from a flood?

Protecting your home from floods goes well beyond laying sandbags. In fact, one of the best things that you can do to protect your home against floods is to make some changes. For example, avoid using carpets because they can develop mold fairly quickly after a flood, which will require professional mold remediation. Instead, use ceramic tiles on the ground floor of your home. If you still want the feel of carpet, try using rugs since it is easy to take them out of the house to dry after a flood.

Should I call a professional to help with the cleanup?

If you are the victim of a flood, you may want to consider getting professional help. This is because flood cleanup is never an easy task. In fact, getting the standing water out of your home is just half of the battle. You also have to worry about water damage and the possibility of mold developing in damp places. Flood waters can contain a lot of bacteria and diseases, so it is not something that most people should be dealing with without special equipment.

Keep in mind that whether you call for professional help or not, responsibly dispose of any items that are beyond repair. Taking your damaged goods to the dumpster may seem like the easiest way to deal with things, but it’s also not very environmentally friendly. Try taking what you can to recycling centers. This will help take some of the pressure off of your local landfill, which is likely a very happening spot after a flood since many people will be trying to dispose of ruined items.

How do I prevent a flood?

There is no sure way to prevent a flood. Floods are forces of nature that we have no control over. That being said, you can sometimes prevent your house from flooding by paying attention to how water reacts to your property. For example, if you notice that water pools by the side of your house or follows a certain path, you can dig ditches and trenches to help divert water away from your property.