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April 14, 2023

Preventing Spring Flooding Disasters: Essential Tips for Homeowners and Communities

The causes of spring flooding disasters

As the weather warms up and the snow starts to melt, it can lead to a buildup of water that can cause spring flooding in our communities. In many areas, snow accumulation over the winter can create a large snowpack on the ground and in high country.

When the temperatures start to rise, the snowpack starts to melt and release water into nearby streams and rivers. As spring flooding disasters are often caused by this type of snowmelt, which can quickly overwhelm drainage systems and cause the water to spill over into surrounding areas. There are several factors that can contribute to the severity of spring flooding disasters.

For example, heavy snowfall over the winter can create a larger snowpack, as we have seen this year, which means there is more water that can be released when the snow starts to melt. If the snow melts too quickly, this can exacerbate the situation and lead to flooding. Additionally, if there is a sudden heavy rainfall during the spring, this can add even more water to the situation and make flooding more likely.

Possible Dangers and Destruction from Snow Melt-Off Flooding

Spring flooding disasters caused by snow melt-off can lead to a number of dangers and destruction. In addition to the obvious damage to homes, buildings, and infrastructure, flooding can cause significant danger to those in affected areas, such as riverside properties. The high levels of water can be fast-moving and unpredictable, making it difficult to navigate the area. Additionally, the water can be contaminated with harmful bacteria and chemicals, making it possibly extremely hazardous to come into contact with.

Flooding can also have significant long-term impacts on communities. For example, a flood can cause damage to homes and infrastructure that can take weeks or even months to repair. This can lead to significant economic losses for individuals and for the community as a whole. The destruction that can be caused by flooding can also lead to psychological stress for those impacted, especially if they are displaced from their homes or lose important possessions or family heirlooms due to the flood.

How to Be Aware and Avoid These Dangers

The key to avoiding the dangers associated with spring flooding disasters caused by snow melt-off is staying aware of the situation and being prepared. Stay ahead of these dangers and prepare for winter by winterizing your property. Install landscaping that will divert water away from your property or more importantly your home.

One of the most important things you can do is stay apprised of weather warnings and reports in your area. If there is a risk of flooding due to snowmelt, monitor the situation closely and be prepared to evacuate if necessary. It’s also important to be aware of your surroundings if a flood does occur. Avoid walking through floodwaters, as the water can be contaminated and dangerous. Additionally, be aware of any downed power lines or other hazards that may be present due to the flooding.

Sand bagging to keep water at bay is one of the most widely used solutions but only works to a point. They can become overwhelmed fast when enough water is present.

Another widely used method is levy building and is much more durable but on a grander scale, most of which are built by municipalities, cities and/or counties.

One way you can prepare for potential spring flooding is by having an emergency kit on hand. This kit should contain basic supplies such as food, water, and medication, as well as flashlights, batteries, and a first-aid kit. You should also consider having a plan in place for where you will go if you need to evacuate your home.

Having a few emergency supplies and emergency checklist is a huge step toward being prepared as well.

Ways to Recover if a Snow Melt-Off Flooding Disaster Effects You

If you are impacted by a spring flooding disaster caused by snow melt-off, there are several ways you can start the recovery process.

The first step is to make sure you and your loved ones are safe. If you need to evacuate your home, make sure to follow the advice and instructions of emergency officials.

Once you are safe, contact your insurance company to report any damage to your property.

Communities coming together to help each other is a very effective action that can be taken to mitigate flood damage as ideas and motivation come together for the purpose of everyone’s well being and safety.

Document the damage with photographs and keep track of any expenses related to the flooding. Depending on the severity of the flooding, you may also be eligible for federal disaster assistance.

Contact your local emergency management agency for more information. In the aftermath of a flood, it’s important to take steps to prevent further damage to your home. This may involve drying out your home and belongings, removing any contaminated materials, or making necessary repairs. Be sure to work with reputable contractors and follow any safety guidelines provided by officials.

Conclusion

Spring flooding disasters caused by snow melt-off can be devastating for individuals and communities alike. By staying informed, being prepared, and taking necessary precautions, you can mitigate the impact of a flood if one occurs.

Remember to always prioritize your safety and the safety of your loved ones in the event of a flood. With these steps in mind, you can be better prepared to weather any spring flooding disasters that come your way.

You can search more ways to prepare for winter run off and other ways to be prepared at Ready.gov

A news article to different resources and other ideas, check it out.

I hope this article is helpful and informative.

If you have any questions, comments or input, please feel free to do so in the box below.

Thanks

December 6, 2022December 7, 2022

Winter preparation for the family

I’ve been there and so have a lot of people. Getting caught off guard when the outdoor temps suddenly change to cold or freezing. Then you remember; crapola, I forgot to cover the A/C condenser outside! Even getting items that are sensitive to getting wet pulled under a cover of some sort. Or, as silly as it seems, draining your sprinkler system and opening valves so they don’t freeze and break or burst. Winter preparation as an individual or for the family could be the difference between comfort and discomfort or, worst case, life and death.

If you are prepared for the hazards and harshness of winter you are more likely to stay safe, comfy and healthy when temps start to fall.

Winter preparation thoughtfulness

Every year, preparation for winter time is a necessity in at least 50 percent of the U.S. With snow and freezing temperatures covering the northern half of the country, often times, extreme Winter preparation is needed to protect livestock, agriculture, plumbing, homes, roads and infrastructure as well as our elderly and children.

It is because of necessity that we think of these things. Those of us who live in these cold climates are accustomed to thinking in this way but not all consider every angle nor everything.

Being mindful by planning ahead and watching weather reports during winter will increase productivity, safety and preparedness.

Winter preparation at home

Where to start? Good question. Every climate will have different necessities of course. I would make a checklist of the things you can think of that are most important first. A list you can fall back on every fall to prepare your household for winter. Things that need to be done outdoors because that’s where the temperature will change of course. Things like sprinkler systems or making sure the wood pile is protected from precipitation. Then secondary items like the home inspection type etc..

Stock up on food supplies like canned and dry goods if you don’t already have a food storage and always have a spare/extra bag of pet food for your furry family members.

Give a double check on your home, insulation, furnace, windows, openings, plumbing etc… Make sure your windows and doors have no drafts, this could lead to unnecessary power consumption or loss of heat in your home. Get any outdoor exposed plumbing insulated and covered. The water freezing could cause the pipes to burst. You don’t want to replace piping in the winter time. Trust me.

Tie up any loose ends around the house like putting the leaves from the front lawn in the composter or rolling up and storing all your garden hoses if needed.

Another idea I feel is fairly important personally is to spray the outside and openings of your home twice with an insect blocker to keep spiders and other intruders out. They will most certainly want to move in before the weather turns cold so get to this in the late summer and maybe mid fall.

Give everything a once over. The little things can become a time consuming nuisance if not thought of.

Ranchers and farmers have quite the task before them when it comes to prepping for the winter months. Mending fences and fixing feeders or water troughs are things to be done so that they are not needing fixing in the middle of the cold months.

Power outage mindfulness

Outages can come both during a storm and when there is no weather occurring. The weight of snow can fall power lines and poles and while on the flip side too much power consumption in any given area during a severe freeze can over load the grid causing a blackout. Following a Winter storm prep checklist is going to help you make it through am extended severe storm emergency.

In these cases, make it a point to have a backup power source like a battery storage or even a generator. The food in your fridge will want to go bad. The cold will creep into your home. If you run it for even a few hours you could warm a room in your home, wash laundry, charge phones or laptops and keep food cold in your freezer or fridge. Solar power would be good backup but even more so if you have a battery storage system.

Every prepared family in colder climates have extra blankets and batteries at the very least.

Concern for Elderly, Children and even yourself

Looking out for each other during harsh times and checking up on our elderly family, neighbors and friends is one of the most charitable things we as humans, could do. Being thoughtful could just save someone’s life or help them to be a little more comfortable. One never knows what someone else’s plight might be unless we make the effort to help.

Be educated and know what to do in emergencies. Have a knowledge of some first aid procedures and how to treat frostbite as well as hypothermia. Read up on what other people do in these situations as well as what they might do to be prepared, so that you and your family also, can be prepared.

I hope this has been helpful and informational. If you have any comments, questions or input please do so in the box below.

Thx

Save energy during winter

Farmers Almanac winter prep

July 23, 2021July 25, 2021

Preparing for a drought

Properly Preparing for a drought would have made life a little easier for numerous families during some of the driest times in history. The Dust Bowl was the name given to the drought stricken Southern Plains region of the United States, which suffered severe dust storms during a dry period in the 1930’s. As high winds and suffocating dust swept the region from Texas to Nebraska, people and livestock were killed and crops failed across the entire region.

Lack of rainfall and overcultivation turned green prairies into dry deserts. While a disastrous drought of this magnitude might seem near impossible to properly prepare for, the reality is that you can. The western United States is currently experiencing a drought and heat wave. One that is part of a drought/saturation cycle that dries out the region every few years. Properly Preparing for a drought can be the determining factor as to whether you struggle or prosper in these harsh times.

Properly Preparing for a drought and Why does a drought happen?

Droughts can happen when certain weather patterns settle into place over a region or country which cause hot, dry conditions. Moisture is pulled from the ground and plants and evaporation takes place as well resulting in a dry, parched type climate. When these conditions persist for an extended period of time or there is a lack of rain/snow fall during the season in which it is supposed to fall, then you end up with a drought. Lack of water reserves from city or secondary utilities make matters worse and could cause a severe situation.

Over cultivation or also known by over farming and deforestation can also cause drought conditions. When forests and vegetation disappear, less water is available to feed the water cycle, making entire regions more vulnerable to drought. Meanwhile, deforestation and other poor land-use practices, such as intensive farming, can diminish soil quality, nutrient content and the lands ability to absorb and retain water.

Preparing for a drought seems pretty straightforward. Conserve water resources. There are other resources on the internet that have information also like Ready.gov. Have some backup ideas and of course have some reserves like stored water in the case of emergencies or extreme shortages. But what does it mean exactly?

Water resources/collection

Many resources can be utilized to provide water during dry seasons, emergencies and even for regular use to reduce costs of local water resources. A really good but not abundantly utilized idea called rainwater harvesting is good for regular water use. If you have a garden, this is an amazingly helpful tool to help keep it healthy and hydrated during those hot summer months. Collecting the spring runoff from your roof, will restrain from putting a strain on secondary water resources or your city water.

Look around, ask around or google for local spring water collection points as they provide superior water quality for drinking purposes. It is clean and is actually quite healthy for you. It can also be a resource to collect for storage as well. Water cubes or even large capacity containers can be stored away in a cool dark place like cold storage for emergencies. The good thing about water is that if stored in a sanitized container and kept sealed, it will never go bad!

Drilling your own well for your property can be an idea to explore. It also depends on your location and municipality concerning availability and permitting.

Also, read here about the importance of Being Self Sufficient.

Water conservancy habits

Small habits make a huge difference. Something as simple as turning off water while soaping up in the shower and hand watering your garden to get the water straight to the roots. Reduce your lawn watering schedule, fill up the sink bowl to shave rather than to let the water run. It’s going to make a huge difference during a drought if everyone can do a little. Basically, don’t run water down the drain if you can use it for something else!

Start a personal compost pile instead of running food down the garbage disposal. Avoid flushing toilet unnecessarily and put a bucket in shower to catch the excess water. Recycling our most precious resource by using bathwater on bushes and shrubs whenever possible. That also can help reduce water usage and allow the reduction in your lawn watering schedule.

Water storage

Water cubes and camping water containers are an excellent form of storage. But if your more industrious or just want something to collect rainwater for a big garden, larger tanks can be procured from sizes of 50 gallons to 5,000 gallons.

Here is a product that is good for water collection or storage. Also reinforced for strength.

Check out this outdoor water storage tank that I highly recommend. It can be purchased at 30/50/100 gallons.

When considering a larger tank, have a location in mind and also think about weather. If you live in a climate that freezes solid every winter you might look into insulating your storage tank. It will protect it against the expanding water when it freezes. You can purchase tanks made from materials that are extremely durable to these sort of things.

Survive the summer

Water shortages and severe droughts effect everyone and its definitely frustrating to see the guy down on the end of the block or even the city parks running their sprinkler systems on normal schedules. Do your part to conserve water. It is our worlds most precious resource and with world population increasing yearly it will become more and more scarce in dry, arid climates like the middle east, parts of Africa and southwestern North America.

I hope this content was useful, informative and provided some good ideas. If you have any questions, comments or anything to add please feel free to leave them in the box below.

Thanks

Sources:

Amazon.com

Ready.gov

Tag: survival