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Help Prevent Water Damage During Storms in Los Angeles

Published by 911 Restoration Los Angeles on March 3, 2014 in category: Water Damage Restoration with tags: ,

When most people think of Los Angeles they drum up sunny beaches and an endless list of things to do for entertainment. But residents in various areas across the county are especially vulnerable to water damage caused by harsh rainy weather. As reported by CNN, recent heavy rains pounded Glendora causing major water damage to multiple homes, and mudslides made matters even worse. There are hundreds of Los Angeles homes that sit at the base of hills, and many of these hills have suffered from fires. When heavy rain hits recently burned mountains and hillsides, there are no trees or brush to help absorb the water nor is there any vegetation to act as a barrier for sliding mud. As a result Los Angeles water damage restoration companies get swamped with emergency phone calls every year by devastated homeowners in need of flood cleanup services or water extraction assistance. However, by learning some steps to take when heavy rain is predicted, homeowners can help prevent water damage and reduce their risk of incurring damage to their property.

 

How can I Prevent Mudslides?

When rain causes large amounts of mud to separate from its underlying sediment base, it can move down a hillside or slope very quickly until it encounters a mass large enough to create a backup, or until the ground evens out and it loses momentum. Since most Los Angeles homes at the base of hills are too close to the slopes to even out the land with fill dirt, digging a trench is often the best line of defense. This is known as landslide mitigation and can be a good summertime chore to do so that when the winter rain comes homes will already have a strong line of defense. Start by digging a trench around the perimeter of your home than sits near a slope. The size of the trench will be determined by the size of the hill but you can always call the county to get a good idea regarding what size it should be. Many homeowners will rent heavy duty digging equipment to get the job done quickly, and will dig as much as six feet deep with six feet across. The nest step is to line the trench with a heavy grade plastic tarp and fasten it into the ground with grommets. Such a trench will help prevent sliding mud from hitting your home, as it will fill the trench first and slowly start to level out. An additional step would be to layer rocks along the base of the hillside to help absorb any pending mud from running towards the home.

 

What are the Benefits of Sandbagging?

Sandbagging is a popular and effective way to help prevent floodwater from damaging a home. The tightly packed bags of sand are highly absorbent and act as a shield keeping water away from properties. Sandbagging has successfully prevented floodwater from soaking into a home’s foundation, pouring into basements, or flooding in underneath doors. When heavy Los Angeles rain is predicted, homeowners will typically start sandbagging their home one or two days prior to the predicted flood date.

 

What Should I do when my Home is Damages by Water?

Never wait to respond to water damage in your home, as time is of the essence. Every minute you allow standing water or soaked wood to stay as is, the damage becomes extensively worse and requires more invasive restoration methods. Also, if any moisture is left, mold can form and cause severe illness to your family. Be sure to call a local water cleanup professional before the damage gets even more odious. Most reputable companies offer a free inspection and arrive within 45 minutes of all calls.

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