Since Ohio is situated where tornados and heavy rainfall occur, the state is more prone to experiencing devastating floods throughout the year. Flooding from heavy rains is a risk that most homeowners must face. Particularly in the southern part of the state, including Fairfield County, among a dozen other areas.

Most people don’t realize that it doesn’t take much for floodwaters to become extremely dangerous. It only takes about two feet of rushing water to carry away most vehicles, including SUVs and trucks. Yup, only two feet of water.

Most flood-related deaths occur when individuals try to drive in flooded water. If you’re ever caught in this type of natural disaster, make sure to reach the highest point possible and don’t try to thread through flooded roadways. It only takes about six inches of moving water to knock out a person.

What Time of the Year Do Floods Occur?

According to City-Data, Ohio has a temperate climate where winters are cold, and summers are warm and mild. Although, when it comes to the southern region of Ohio, the summers are much warmer than the rest of the state. The growing season also lasts longer in south Ohio.

The so-called “growing season” occurs from May to October in the south area of the state, and this is the time where more than half of the annual rainfall occurs. The Buckeye State has seen its fair share of historic floods, from flash floods to river flooding, among others. Flooding in Ohio is most common during the rainy season, but the occasional snowmelt flood does occur.

Snowmelt flooding is a common occurrence in the Midwest during the Spring. This happens when rapidly warming temperatures quickly melt the snow. Snowmelt is especially common around rivers and lakes. And with Ohio having more than 3,300 named rivers, homeowners should be especially cautious of the rivers in their area.

You can do a few things to prepare your property for a flood. This may include waterproofing your basement, installing backflow valves for all sewage connections, learning how to use sandbags, plastic liners, and sheets properly, and purchasing flood insurance.

Flood Insurance Rates and Packages

There is only so much you can do as a property owner to prepare for a natural disaster, which is why it’s important to have flood insurance for your home or business property. If you’re unsure which type of home flood insurance is best for your area, give our trusted insurance gents a call.

Our team at Bill Palmer Insurance works hand in hand with the federal government to find the lowest rates and highest benefits for Ohioans. Our independent insurance agency covers multiple cities across the Southern region of Ohio, including Canal Winchester, Pleasantville, Amanda, and Rushville.

Featured image by @pflores, inset by bohemianbikini.