Severe flood events in Oklahoma are growing both more common and more expensive. 2019 had the most on record with more than 3 billion dollars in damage and several lives lost. And this year could have more drama in store.
As global climate change affects rising seas, more violent storms, and more intense rainfall, the federal government underestimates the flood risk for properties in Oklahoma. A wide-ranging scientific analysis was recently released by the nonprofit First Street Foundation. In it, a series of contemporary flooding models were combined into a single, nationwide flood risk tool. Results estimated that 168,869 properties in the state today face a 1% annual chance of flooding. But Murphy’s Law states that 100% of Owasso residents could suffer water damage from some source.
Natural Causes of Water Damage
In Oklahoma, remnants of hurricanes, seasonal storms, hail, freak snow storms are common natural causes. So in these situations, the precipitation comes from the sky and can build up and cause damage to the roof or enter under the doors.
Depending on your location, you might also be at risk from local rivers, ponds and lakes. When rainstorms park over the area, the body of water can breach the normal boundaries and rush over roads and fields to flood your home.
Some counties also have high water tables. Properties can be improperly graded ground so that water flows toward the foundation. How can you prevent seepage and flooding in your basement? Installing a sump pump (plus a water alarm system) are good investments in areas with high water tables.
A typical home version sump pump will pump water from under the foundation to drain it away from the home for about $1,200 installed. You need to maintain the pump against clogs; use a secondary power source so that a loss of electricity doesn’t add more damage to a stormy week.
Leaks and Broken Pipes
Although weather in Oklahoma is always exciting, your home is at more risk from a boring cause– a plumbing issue due to wear and tear. Whether a slow leak behind the wall or a broken sink faucet that sprays the ceiling, you need to get a clean up crew on site before the damage gets worse. Since mold can start growing in 48 hours, delaying repairs can allow mold to flourish and degrade your air quality.
Do You Need Help?
Even though you might be a talented DIY-er, any water damage of size will quickly overwhelm your efforts. In order to keep your home (and family) safe you need to get “in front of” potential mold damage. If you can’t get the time and materials right now, you need to call in help.
Professionals can investigate the mess you see plus the extent of damage that you don’t see. You certainly don’t want to replace vinyl flooring over damp subflooring. If you don’t fix the underlying cause completely, your issue will come back during the next wet season. For instance, fixing a damaged ceiling but not the leaky roof that caused it will only lead to another wrecked ceiling.
When You Need Water Damage Cleanup Work In Owasso
When you find water damage, act immediately. Oklahoma Disaster Restoration is available 24/7. A detailed water removal protocol and process will be tailored for your specific situation: materials, age of home, current weather, safety issues. Throughout the entire clean up or restoration process, ODR will work with your insurance to properly document the work for the best settlement possible.