Should Homeowners in Coastal Towns Be Worried About Increased Flooding Risks?

10/10/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Says--We work with your flood claim adjuster to restore your damaged Saugus Property

Houses in Saugus are Prone to Coast Flooding, and SERVPRO is There to Provide Cleanup & Restoration

Saugus is a town near Boston that is rich in history. It goes back to the early 1600s, has roots in fighting for independence in the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. This quaint town is home to the Saugus Iron Works, which began in 1646 and was the first integrated ironworks in all of North America. Saugus was a focal point of the industrial revolution. As businesses thrived, the town grew, and today over 26,000 people reside there. It is also a coastal town, which means those businesses and homes are subject to flooding.

Is There an Increased Risk of Flooding in a Coastal Town?

Over the last 92 years, Saugus, MA, has seen an increase in sea level rise of approximately 10 inches.  In 1978 floodwaters topped at 4.8 feet. Many factors contribute to the ocean rising, including warming ocean waters, shrinking ice, and sinking land. A tide station in Boston, just 8 miles from Saugus, has recorded 149 days since 1950, where the flood thresholds exceeded the standard set by the local National Weather Service. All this means an increase in storm surges and the chance of flood damage in Saugus. SERVPRO understands the impact this can have on local homes and is ready to provide the needed mitigation should a flood occur.

How Critical Are the First 24 Hours?

In any flood situation, immediate intervention is vital. With floodwaters, it is even more critical due to the contaminated waters. Every minute that goes by can lead to water damage to both the home and its content. If allowed to sit unattended, within 24 hours, the following can occur:

• Laminate flooring begins to break down and peel.
• Carpeting continues to soak up water leading to stretching, weak carpet fibers, and delamination.
• Carpets exposed to contaminated water typically need replacing.
• Warping and swelling occur in particleboard and pressed wood items.
• Drywall and ceiling tiles begin to bulge, crumble, and breakdown, which makes them a safety hazard.
• Structural breakdowns can result from the force of collected water.
• Mold and mildew start to form. This can happen in as little as 24-48 hours.
• Metals may start to corrode.
• Musty odors spread throughout the home.
• Bacteria and other biohazards in the water can worsen, causing potential health effects to those exposed.

SERVPRO knows the flood damage that can occur and works tirelessly, 7 days a week, to provide fast water mitigation. The more time that passes, the more damage and more loss that occurs. The need for replacement over restoration goes up as well. Homeowners should be aware that in a flood situation, items and structural elements may need replacing more often than other types of home flooding.

What Safety Issues Does SERVPRO Look For?

Safety is our number one priority. We do not want the residents of the home or our crews to put themselves in any type of danger. When the Green Team arrives at the scene, a project manager ensures a scope gets performed on the property. Emergency mitigation may be required, such as roof tarping. Once the scope determines the extent of the flood damage, then a work plan is put into place. While the scope is undergoing the technicians are looking for the following:

Contamination – Floodwaters flow fast and furiously through towns and streets, picking up all types of biohazards. This can include bacteria, debris, and even medical waste. The degree of the contamination, the level of the water, and the appropriate action to clean are determined. No one should enter floodwater without the proper PPE.

Structural Damage - Structural elements can absorb water and become oversaturated leading to degradation. The structural integrity of subflooring, flooring, and wall systems become compromised and can collapse.

Content Damage – Extra precautions need to be taken when cleaning and restoring items damaged in a flood due to contamination. SERVPRO techs are experienced in assisting homeowners and insurance adjusters in understanding what is salvageable and what needs to be thrown away.

Is There Anything I Can Do to Prepare?

If you reside in a coastal town like Saugus, having adequate flood insurance is key. An emergency plan that covers what your family is to do in the case of a disaster is a wise idea. Safety should always be your first concern, so obey all evacuation orders. There is no material thing out there worth risking your life. Keep valuables such as jewelry on higher levels and in waterproof containers. Have backups of all essential documents and place originals in water and fireproof packaging. Check your storm drains and gutters often so water can flow freely.

If the worst happens, call SERVPRO and let us deal with the stress of cleanup, repair, and restoration. We work alongside your insurance company to ensure things go smoothly. Our company is licensed and bonded – Contractor Licenses: General: cs-114298.

Contact SERVPRO of Saugus, West Lynn at (978) 744-0409 for expert flood damage service. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.