Do Homeowners Need to Worry About an Increase in Coastal Flooding in Miami?

12/31/2021 (Permalink)

When storms occur in our area, flooding often results. Tackle flood damage in your home with a quick call to SERVPRO. We are standing by 24/7 for you.

Homes in Miami are Subject to Coast Flooding, and SERVPRO is There to Mitigate the Storm Damage

Miami is a thriving, heavily populated city. International trade, commerce, finance, and culture mark Miami as a leader in these fields. Once an Indian settlement, people throughout history have been drawn to the sun and fertile growing area. Today folks are still enjoying the beaches and the sunshine. But even on the sunniest of days, the risks of storms and flooding still lurks in the background.

What Causes the Sea Level to Rise?

Over the past thirty-four years, the sea level has risen approximately 5 inches in Miami. Flood damage risks increase when the sea level rise increases. Riskfinder.org predicts that climate change is going to push the rise even higher in this century. With this change, the starting point for storm surges and high tides gets raised. The likelihood of more frequent storms that are more severe is the result. There are three main factors impacting sea level rises:

•   Sinking Land – Coastal lands are sinking slowly in many areas. Part of the process is due to natural processes. Pump extractions of fossil fuels and water from underground contribute to the sinking as well.
•  Warming Ocean – According to satellite and thermometer measurements, the ocean has been warming for over a century. Warm water expands. As a result of this expansion, the ocean has to go up and spill over onto the land.
•   Shrinking Ice – Glaciers and ice sheets in places such as Antarctica and Greenland are slowly melting due to warmer air and temperatures. Pieces break off and enter the ocean. This greatly raises the sea level. 

What Kind of Damage Can Occur from Storm Flooding?

The highest observed flood in the Miami area was in 2005 and reached a height of 5.8 feet. The flood damage was severe and impacted homes throughout the city. When flooding like this occurs, it displaces families, is dangerous, and requires professional storm damage cleanup. SERVPRO arrives at the scene as quickly as possible and provides emergency mitigation. Homeowners have enough stress to deal with in the aftermath of a flood; dealing with flood cleanup should not be one of those things.

When our crew arrives, safety issues are dealt with immediately. The project manager oversees the scope of the property and determines the extent of the damage. A plan is then devised to provide flood mitigation. This plan includes the type of cleaning, recovery, and needed supplies to complete the job. A lot of damage can occur during storm flooding. During the scope, the technicians look for the following:

•  Floodwater Contamination – Waters from a flood are highly contaminated. As the floodwater surges through the town, it picks up all kinds of biohazards. These can include everything from bacteria to chemical waste. The level of the water and the degree of contamination is determined, and the technicians are then able to be appropriately prepared.
•  Structural Damage – Absorption, and oversaturation of structural elements can lead to degradation. Wall systems, flooding supports, and subflooring is especially at risk and can lead to collapse.
•  Content Damage – Anytime there is a water intrusion, there is the danger of the content of the home being impacted. Due to the contamination of the floodwaters, extra care needs to be taken when cleaning and restoring damaged items. SERVPRO technicians are well qualified to help homeowners decide what can get salvaged and what needs to be disposed of properly. 

Preparing for Flooding – What Homeowners Should Do

Flooding can happen at any time, but coastal towns are at an even greater risk. This means homeowners should prepare before disaster strikes. Make sure your valuables such as jewelry and important documents get placed in waterproof containers. If you know a storm is coming, move items from lower levels to higher levels. Have an emergency plan in place and practice it regularly with your family. Prepare an emergency kit with items such as flashlights, batteries, and bottled water. Regularly check to ensure your storm drains and gutters are free of debris and clutter. When you are ready for the worst, it lessens the impact of flooding on you and your family.

Always Put Safety First

Always obey evacuation warnings. Let SERVPRO handle entering the floodwater to retrieve essential items. Our technicians are IICRC certified and experienced in mitigating flood damage. We can provide the cleanup, repair, and restoration needed for your home. Our goal is to leave your residence, “Like it never even happened.”

Our team lives and works in the same coastal town as our customers. We know how devastating flood damage can be to a home. That is why we are available any time of the day or night. The sooner our team gets started on the cleanup, the sooner you get your life back. 

Contact SERVPRO of South Miami at (305) 269-8900 for professional flood damage service. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.