Heavy Rainfall In Las Vegas

Las Vegas has seen an increase in heavy rainfall, resulting in an increased risk of flash flooding. Something that the residents of Las Vegas have experienced over the past few weeks. Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, East Las Vegas Downtown, the strip, and UNLV are only a few of the locations that have experienced an increase in flooding and water damage disasters recently. So, what can you do to prevent your Las Vegas home from suffering water damage from a potential flash flood? First, let’s talk about flash flooding and what it is exactly.

What is Flash Flooding?

Flash flooding is an overflowing of water onto land that is typically dry. Flash flooding may happen during heavy rainfall, when the snow melts to fast or when levees break. Flash flooding can occur with only a few inches of water and can occur quickly or over a long period of time. Flash floods occur when excessive water fills normally dry creeks or river beds along with currently flowing creeks and rivers, causing rapid rises of water in a short amount of time. They can happen with little or no warning. Flash floods are the some of the most dangerous types of water damage disasters because they combine the destructive power of a flood with incredible speed and unpredictability.

So, what can you do to protect your home from water damage during a flood damage disaster?

Water Damage Prevention Tips

• Invest in a plastic water barrier around the foundation of your home, this is an easy way to help keep water outside of your home.
• Not all water damage disasters come from outside the home. Fit non-return valves on drains and pipes. This helps prevent sewage from flowing back through pipes from toilets and sinks and it is relatively inexpensive.
• Invest in water-resistant doors and window frames.
• Use flood skirts around entryways vents and windows to help keep water out.
• Make sure your sump pump is in working order.
• Sandbags. Know where your community has a sandbag fill up area, sandbags are a good way to divert the flow of flood waters. If you are in a flood plain it is a good idea to always have some sandbags on hand in case of a flash flood event.

Additional Tips

• If your home does suffer from water damage you don’t want your valuables down low. Invest in some shelving units to keep your valuables safe in case floodwater finds its way into your home.
• Raise electrical outlets. When building, install electrical outlet above expected flood water levels. If flooding is imminent, unplug any appliances and turn off the power.
• In case of a water damage emergency event, plan out an escape route with family or housemates and make sure everyone knows what to do and where to meet up.

If you find yourself in need of a team of professionals to help with the water damage that occurs from a flash flood event in Las Vegas contact a certified, local emergency water restoration company like ERX. Calling in the professionals as soon as a water damage event occurs can go along way in protecting your home and valuables.