How to Find Out if Your Greene County Business in on a Floodplain

5/19/2022 (Permalink)

The topic of floodplains leads to many questions. Although one study estimates that up to 41 million Americans live in flood zones, many of those homeowners are unaware of it until they experience significant water damage. But what about your Greene County business? How can you tell if it’s situated on a floodplain? This article will outline how to ascertain that and the dangers of flood zones.  

What Is a Floodplain?

Floodplains are areas of low-lying ground close to natural water sources like rivers that often flood when water levels are high due to storms and heavy snowmelt. Since they’re often situated level with or below a body of water, even a little water can cause flooding.  

Natural floodplains offer flood risk reduction assistance by slowing runoff and storing floodwater. Floodplains frequently include wetlands and other vital ecological areas which directly influence the quality of the local environment.

How Do I Know If My Business is in a Flood Zone?

If your Greene County property sits near a body of water, you may live in a floodplain. While most problems occur around rivers and streams, lakes and ponds can also cause flooding. If you’re not sure whether or not your business is in a floodplain, use the FEMA Flood Map Service Center to find out if you’re at risk for flooding.

What Are the Common Signs of Living in a Floodplain?

Numerous signs indicate your property is on a floodplain:

• It’s within five hundred feet of a body of water
• Your land is below the banks or slopes down towards your building
• You often experience puddles on your property after even a little rain
• Your property is usually soggy or water-logged even days after it rains
• Your building floods frequently

What are the Dangers of Being in a Flood Zone?

There are several hazards when a building is situated on a floodplain. Even if your Greene County property has never flooded, it likely will. Here are the foremost flood risks you should be aware of:

• Loss of Life – While property damage is the main concern, floods cause more deaths than any other natural disaster. This is due to people underestimating the risk of floodwaters.
• Property Destruction – Floodwaters cause an extreme amount of water damage, destroying inventory as well as flooring, walls, and other parts of your business.
• Structural Damage – If the water sits for more than a few hours, it can damage the studs that support your building, affecting its structural integrity.
• Health Effects – Floodwaters can carry mold and bacteria. Even if they don’t, mold and bacteria can start growing in as little as 24 hours.

Additionally, since floodplains are usually low-lying areas, it can take days for floodwaters to finally subside. This increases the risk of water damage as well as the cost of flood cleanup.

Who to Call for Flood Damage Cleanup?

If your commercial property is situated on a floodplain and experiences water damage, we are here to help. SERVPRO of Springfield / Greene County has the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial flooding or water damage emergencies. We will respond quickly to mitigate the damage and manage your restoration project through to its completion.