Water Wise: Preventing Flooding

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Floods are the most frequent and costly natural disasters in the United States.

On Tuesday and Wednesday a record amount of rain fell in the NewsChannel 36 viewing area. The rain came down so hard and fast the storm drains couldn’t keep up. That’s why we saw flooding throughout the Carolinas. Before the next storm comes through, it’s a good time for all of us to do a few simple things in an effort to be water wise.

Check your storm drains by your home and clear any debris on them. Storm drains are designed to take water away as soon as we get rain. Sometimes there are leaves, litter or even dog feces on the ground that aren’t even close to a storm drain. Eventually those pollutants get carried with the rain water and goes into the drain.

That water makes its way into a creek or lake and could taint aquatic life and ultimately the water we use. Even a small storm can cause flooding.

If you live in a floodplain, flood insurance is mandatory. Experts say it’s a good idea to look into this type of insurance even if it’s out of floodplain limits.

Flood plan maps are available for each community.

During a 30-year mortgage, there is a 1 percent chance that a home will burn during that same 30 year period. There’s a 26 percent chance that a home in a regulated floodplain or special flood hazard area will have flood damage.