Understanding Storm Surge: Its Impact and How to Protect Your Home

Understanding Storm Surge: Its Impact and How to Protect Your Home

When strong storms like tropical cyclones or hurricanes occur, one of the wildest and most destructive outcomes are storm surges. A storm surge is the unnatural rise in seawater levels which is caused by the low pressure and intense winds of the storms. This surge can in turn lead to extensive flooding, damage to properties and even loss of life. This therefore makes it imperative that homeowners in coastal areas understand what this phenomenon is, how it happens and how they can protect their property.

In this article, we will explain the causes of storm surge, the impact it might have on your home and how to prepare for it and also recover from damages caused by it.

What Is Storm Surge?

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This occurs when the water level rises above the normal tide, caused by strong winds pushing water toward the shore and the low-pressure system of a storm. This is one of the most notable reasons why there is usually flooding during tropical storms and hurricanes, and it is usually more precarious than the rainfall itself. 

The following are some distinct ways in which this phenomenon occurs: –

  1. Wind-driven Water
  2. Low pressure 
  3. Geography and Coastal Shape

This is just a summary of the causes of storm surge. You can visit www.paradiseexteriors.com for more detail. However, we will concentrate more on helping you with the basic information with which you can prepare for this occurrence and also protect your home. 

Why Is Storm Surge So Dangerous

The possible risk of a sea surge or coastal flooding as it is also referred to is its ability to cause flooding that goes far beyond its immediate vicinity of impact. This flooding can cover entire coastal areas, engulfing infrastructure, homes, and roads. In very severe cases, it can even wash away whole communities leading to huge damage to properties and loss of life. 

Some of the things that make coastal flooding especially dangerous include the following: –

  1. Sudden Onset – It develops very fast and sometimes doesn’t give any warning at all. The speed of arrival also makes it almost impossible for protective measures to be put in place or for evacuation to happen. 
  2. Height of the Surge – If the surge is just a few feet, it can only submerge low-lying areas, but if it is 10 feet or more, it will cause more havoc. 
  3. Duration – The longer the storm lasts, the more flooding and damage it causes. 
  4. Coastal Erosion 

How Does Storm Surge Impact Your Home?

For homeowners in coastal areas, one of the major causes for concern when preparing for a tropical storm or hurricane is coastal flooding. This can seriously damage homes and result in the following: –

  1. Flooding 
  2. Structural Damage 
  3. Long Term Damage 
  4. Loss of Property 

Preparing Your Home for Storm Surge

Seeing that you cannot stop coastal flooding from happening, you owe it to yourself to prepare in advance in order to reduce the damage that’s likely to happen to your home. The following are tips to help you: –

  1. Elevate Your Home – Elevating your home above expected surge levels is a very effective way of protecting your home. Standard building codes in coastal areas requires that homes be elevated; however, you can also retrofit your home with raised foundations, stilts, or flood resistant materials to help protect the structure. 
  2. Install Flood Barriers. These are materials or things that can help protect your home from the rising waters and they include stuff such as inflatable dams or sandbags. Although these may be insufficient in the face of severe surges, they can still come in handy for moderate cases. 
  3. Seal Vulnerable Areas – Make sure that your windows, doors, and other entry points are properly sealed to stop water from getting into your home. Also use storm shutters to protect your doors and windows especially during active storms.
  4. Secure Outdoor Objects – Secure or remove any object outside the house that can be flung around by high winds because they can cause more damage to your house and neighbors if they are propelled by the surge. 
  5. Have an Evacuation Plan – The best bet for avoiding the risk of these surges is evacuation. So, make sure you have an evacuation plan; map out a clear route and also know where the shelters are located. 
  6. Work with Professionals – Locate professionals who can help prepare your home and also give you tips to help you weather the storm. 

You can click here for more details on how to prepare for a storm surge. 

Storm Surge Recovery: How to Rebuild After the Damage

Recovering from damage from a storm surge can be quite daunting but possible. The first thing to do after the storm is over is to ensure the safety of you and your loved ones. When it is safe to go back home, you can then assess the damage and take the following steps: –

  1. Document the Damage – Make sure you take pictures of the damage before you start any repairs. This will help you to file claims with your insurance company and get your compensation for the damages. 
  2. Contact Professionals – It is best to call in professionals to take care of repairs and cleanup. Due to the fact that water damage can lead to mold, it is very important to address the issues immediately to stop further damage. 
  3. Consider Upgrades – This might be the time to consider some upgrades to your home to guard against future damage. Contact professionals to elevate your home, install flood barriers or make other improvements that will make your home less vulnerable in case of future storms. 

Conclusion

Storm surge is a natural phenomenon that is very powerful and dangerous; it can cause monumental damage to communities in coastal areas. It is therefore important that homeowners in these areas understand the risks that come with this and learn to protect their properties. 

We have shared some tips for preparing for the storm and protecting your property. You’ll do well to pay attention to them and also seek more knowledge to further equip you to deal with this occurrence. 

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Elen Havens