There are very few places in the world that do not have to be concerned about damage from flooding. Annually in the United States, damage from floods cause about $6 billion of damage and kill 140 people. Worldwide, floods total nearly $3 trillion in damage. With the proper knowledge and preparation, rising waters do not have to ruin your livelihood. Here is some important information about flooding that can save you and your home.

1. Flood Causes

Floods result when water overflows or inundates land that is normally dry. This is commonly caused when a nearby body of water, usually a river or stream for the majority of Americans, rises above its banks as a result from excessive rain, ruptured dams, construction in wetlands or melting snow and ice.

2. Flood Dangers

Even the shallowest of streams can be dangerous to well being and property. The most common damage caused by floods is water filling the basement of a home. If you are located near any body of moving water, no matter how minute, you are at risk from flood damages. Knowing potential dangers is the first step to preventing damage. Rising waters can ruin appliances, damage building supports, wash away roads, ruin vehicles and in extreme instances, kill unsuspecting citizens.

3. Flash Floods

Usually, residents have several hours or even days to prepare for a flood. However, flash floods can strike with little warning and are extremely dangerous. Flash floods result from dam ruptures or unexpected large amounts of rain in a small amount of time. Staying clear of any body of water that has the potential to flash flood is the surest way to avoid danger.

4. Preventing Water Damage

The U.S. government mandates that all residents in flood prone areas have flood insurance as well as build flood resistant housing. This could include elevating an entire building above flood levels. You can improve your own home situation by building levees or flood walls on your property between your home and the nearby water. Preventing sewer backups by maintaining pipes and septic systems will also prevent a build up of water on a property that could easily flood into a backyard or basement during an event.

5. Coastal Flooding

This information about flooding is still applicable to coastal residents, but they should be on guard for a different type of water danger. Coastal flooding results from large storms and hurricanes over the ocean raising water levels or offshore earthquakes causes large tidal waves. Coastal residents are generally required to have homes that are raised on posts or walls above a minimum height. Ocean flooding is more common than flash flooding, and beach side communities are usually used to the danger, but that does not mean they should take it lightly. Careful preparation in the event of a hurricane or large storm is a necessity for all at risk residents.

With proper information about flooding on your mind, any at risk resident can be safe from the dangers of water damage. Sometimes however, there are floods that cannot be quelled by retaining walls. Having insurance for water damage will at least ensure citizens are protected financially in the event of a catastrophe. Water damage help is available in the form of emergency respondents and home insurance. This is a great source for more.