Marye Audet
DCL
Flooding only happens to people who live in low lying areas and flood plains, right?
Wrong. Flood plains and flood levels can change in a matter of a few years and even if you don't live near water your home can flood. This is one of the challenges of the concrete society we live in. Another thing that you need to understand is what exactly a 100 year flood plain means. It does not mean that it floods once every hundred years it means that there is a one percent chance of flooding every year.
The Flood of 2004 Changed Our Lives
We bought our home knowing that we had a creek at the back of the property and a tributary to the side of the property. It was no big deal. The creek flowed throw a bed that had walls 20 to 30 feet high. Yes, we were in a 100 year flood plain but it didn't flood badly or often.
Towns upstream began to build up and spent money to widen and straighten the creek as it flowed through their area. In some places concrete walls were built up against the creek bank to stop erosion and to help the water move through faster. Great for the residents of the town up the creek from us; not so great for us.
We got a lot of rain in June 2004 but even so the creek only just spilled its banks. Our horses barely got their feet wet. A month later the sky broke open and our lives were changed. This is a CBS News story from July 2004. The video footage is taken around our house; the images of the creek are taken from a bridge that is just outside our driveway. And these images are well after the water subsided. Our barn was moved eight feet to the left and the water in my driveway came up to my armpits (I am 5 feet 4 inches tall) as I helped my husband lead our horses to higher ground. The goats and sheep went in the laundry room, and the chickens were housed on the front porch. It was a long night.
We estimated later that the wall of water that came down the creek would have had to be 50 to 60 feet high. There was debris in the tops of 30 to 40 foot tall trees at the back of the property. The creek bed is 20 to 30 feet below the top of the banks.
More Flooding, More Concern
Since then it has flooded a bit more often every year, although not as badly. The image to the upper-right is a small flood we had in 2007. After that we gave away our horses to a good home because we just couldn't know that we would always be able to get to them in time. The goats and chickens are closer to the house and easier to manage in a storm. Our children get nervous if it rains many days. Sometimes one of us will stay home from church if the creek seems to be high. We look at the weather differently than we used to.
More Improvements Mean More Run-Off
During that 24 hour period homes that were not in flood areas were flooded. Why? Because of a direct result of construction called simply, water run-off. As more homes, businesses, and streets are built there is less ground to soak up the water. All of the excess water runs into the creeks, sewers, and drainage ditches. If the rain continues then the water overflows and a flood happens. Is your house in danger of being flooded?
- If you haven't seen a FEMA Flood Map in a few years check to see if there is an updated on. Your city or county should have one. If it is more than a few years old you may want to request that your property be reevaluated. This will cost some money in most cases but it will be worth it in the long run.
- Take a look around. Is there a creek near by? Are there drainage ditches? Check them when it rains to see how high they get. Make a few notes so if there is a pattern of higher water each year you can see it immediately.
- Keep up with the construction in your area. Go to city council meetings and stay educated on what is happening that could have an affect on your property.
- Encourage your town to make wise choices when it comes to building and construction, water run-off, and flood potential. Many towns require a water catchment system for any new construction but some towns don't enforce it well.
- Create your own catchment system so you aren't adding to the problem. Choose dirt or gravel over cement or pavement whenever possible.
- Consider investing in flood insurance. Most home owner's insurance won't pay for flood damage. Flood insurance does not cost that much comparatively.
- Ask your town to use a reverse 911 system. When flood threatens, the 911 computer calls each home with a recorded message.
What to Do in a Flood
Spend some time talking to your children and your spouse about flooding. Have a plan. One of our neighbors ended up on his roof with all of his children and his family. Knowing what you would do in a dangerous circumstance can help save lives.
What Our Plan Looks Like:
- We have a bin of MRE meals and other items we may need in case of a flood. Stored water is kept up to date.
- Have a video or pictures stored somewhere else (like a strongbox at a bank) of your home. If it floods you will have a record for the insurance company.
- Important papers and emergency cash are kept in one box where they can be grabbed easily.
- Flashlights with batteries should be available in many areas of the home.
- Have a plan to keep your animals safe. We have a visual marker. If water reaches that marker we move the animals.
- When the possibility of flood exists we move the car to the top of the driveway.
- Have items that do not require batteries or electricity. For us this means a radio and a flashlight.
- If water threatens the house turn off gas and electricity if you have time.
- Don't take chances. Leave the house at the first sign that you might be in danger of flooding.
Natural Ways to Prevent Flood, Erosion, and Property Damage
There are some things you can do to help prevent flooding on your property:
- If you live near a creek organize a creek clean-up. Pull out tree limbs, brush, and other debris that could cause a clog in the stream.
- Plant a strong rooted ground cover on the banks to check erosion. Your County Extension Agent can help you choose one that is right for your area.
- Try to have a buffer zone between you and water. Don't plant your garden, keep animals, or make any improvements in this buffer zone.
- Keep drainage ditches clear. If you live in a heavily wooded area rake up the leaves, run them through a shredder and then put them back down as mulch. Whole leaves can make a thick layer that blocks the ground from absorbing water.
- If you are building a home consider a construction with a smaller footprint. Consider going up for space rather than a larger space at ground level.
- Use a water catchment system if possible.
Being aware that any home can be experience flooding may save your life.
