Any time it rains in the greater Chicago, IL area, there’s a possibility that a flash flood will occur and cause extensive water damage to your home or business. That’s the bad news. But the good news is that you don’t have to face the devastating effects of water damage from a flash flood on your own. At ServiceMaster Restoration by Simons, we’re available round-the-clock to quickly assess the problem and then put our professional water damage restoration technicians to work immediately.
Flash floods are short-term events, occurring within two hours of the start of high-intensity rainfall. They can be produced when slow moving or multiple thunderstorms occur over the same area. When storms move faster, flash flooding is less likely because the rain is distributed over a broader area. Other causes of flash flooding include dam and levee failures, rapid snowmelt, and ice jams.
Highly populated areas, such as Chicago, have a high risk for flash floods. That’s because the construction of parking lots, buildings, driveways, and highways increases runoff and decreases natural ground absorption. During periods of heavy rainfall, the city’s storm drains might become overwhelmed and flood roads and buildings.
Below are some helpful terms to become familiar with so you can keep yourself and your family safe if flooding is a possibility. Knowing the differences between “watches” and “warnings” can help you be better prepared for a potential flash flood in your neighborhood:
- Flood Watch: Flooding is possible. Check your cell phone or television for updates from a reputable weather channel news service.
- Flash Flood Watch: Flash flooding is possible. Be prepared to move to higher ground. Continue checking weather reports.
- Flood Warning: Flooding is occurring or will occur soon. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
- Flash Flood Warning: A flash flood is occurring. Gather your family together and seek higher ground immediately.
If an unfortunate flash flood befalls your Chicago neighborhood this summer, call ServiceMaster Restoration by Simons at 773-376-1110 to remedy your water damage situation. We’ll pull out all the stops to restore your home or business to its pre-loss condition in a flash!
