After a Wildfire, Prepare for Flooding

5/24/2022 (Permalink)

Prepare For Flooding After A Wildfire

Homeowners in Etowah, OK, who live near a flood plain know the importance of obtaining FEMA NFIP coverage to help with flooding damage restoration. For homeowners who don’t, it may not seem like a necessity. Surprisingly, if there is wildfire damage in the area, it means an increased chance of flooding.

Why an Increased Risk?

While the aftermath of a fire may not seem related to flood issues, the destruction of vegetation and charred soil cause big problems. That vegetation and healthy top soil are necessary to absorb rainwater. Once they are gone, that fire damage creates the potential for two major issues:

• Debris Flows: After the flames are extinguished, the burned areas begin to erode. Once it rains again, the water moving downhill is moving faster than normal due to nothing helping to absorb it. As it moves through eroded areas, it begins to pick up rocks, branches and other debris, creating a destructive flow of debris.
  
• Flash Flooding: While this may be associated with sudden, excessive amounts of rain, even a little rainfall may lead to a flash flood in charred areas. In lush, green areas, it takes a lot of rain to create this situation. In areas damaged by wildfire, half an inch of rain falling in under one hour is enough to create a flooding situation.

Why Consider FEMA NFIP Coverage?

Even if your home isn’t considered in a flood-prone area, it may be worth getting flood insurance after a fire. Depending on the severity, it may take up to five years for the soil to rebound and vegetation to regrow. During those years, your home is at a higher risk of flooding. Considering that just an inch of water has the potential to cause thousands of dollars of damage, adding another layer of insurance just might be worth it.

Dealing with the aftermath of a wildfire is its own challenge, which is quickly followed by an increased chance of flooding. FEMA NFIP insurance is one way to help protect your assets.