Many homeowners may not give the threat of a storm surge much thought, but the danger doesn’t go away after hurricane season ends. Storm surges are a year-round possibility, and the Atlantic coast is vulnerable to severe storms, strong winds, and rising water. In January 2024, a coastal storm ripped through the Maine coastline, causing $90 million in damage to public infrastructure. According to the NOAA, the storm set a new record for water levels in the state.
The end of hurricane season does not mean the end of severe weather. Living in a coastal community means your home should always be prepared in the event of a storm or hurricane. Learn more about the dangers of storm surges, how to protect your home, and how to find help if your residence needs storm damage restoration.
Understanding Storm Surges in Daytona Beach, FL
A storm surge is an abnormal rise in water levels due to a storm. An unanticipated storm surge can cause severe damage to a residential building. Daytona Beach is located on Florida’s Atlantic coast, which makes it susceptible to storms, high tides, or strong winds. If you’re curious about how far inland can a storm surge go, many experts say a storm surge could reach nearly 30 miles inland, putting many homes in harm’s way.
Storm surges can cause a bevy of damages to residences. Complete buildings can be destroyed, beaches experience severe erosion, and low-lying areas may end up extremely flooded, which is why homeowners should be aware of the threat of storm damage. When an excess amount of it floods the soil beneath your residence, your foundation will experience hydrostatic pressure, causing water leaks, cracks, and instability. Symptoms of a weakened foundation include uneven floors and cracks within drywall.
Storm surges can also damage the electronics in your home. Strong winds and lightning strikes can knock down power lines, causing power surges. When this happens, your televisions and computers may be damaged beyond repair if they are not connected to a surge protector.
How to Protect Your Home from Storm Surge Damage
Flood barriers help prevent storm surges from flooding your home by rerouting water flows. By installing barriers and floodgates near your doors and windows, you may be able to keep your home safe from rising water and ensuing flood damage. This barrier could be as simple as a sandbag or a self-rising dam that activates immediately when in contact with water and protects large areas from water overflow.
Elevating a home is a very effective method of protecting a structure from flooding. Elevating a building can be a bit costly initially, but it is a long-term investment that can make your property safer and more valuable. By avoiding potential damage caused by storms or hurricanes, homeowners can maintain the foundation of their home, saving time and money that would have been spent on repairs. Because flooding commonly causes damage to flooring, washers, dryers, and other electronics, elevating a home may prevent flooding from damaging your residential interior or personal property.
Clean gutters can help you mitigate your residential storm damage, while clogged gutters and drainage systems may cause water to pool around your home’s foundation. Over time, this water can seep into your basement and cause flooding. Installing a sump pump in the lower levels of your home is another way to protect your basement from flooding. This appliance removes water from your home by collecting it in a sump basin and pumping it into a storm drain or dry well. They can be plugged into an electrical power receptacle, but a dedicated circuit is recommended to make it less likely for the pump to lose power due to a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker.
Any outdoor furniture, grills, or movable items you have in your yard could become dangerous debris during a storm surge. Consider moving these items into a garage, shed, or any enclosure that prevents them from moving around during high winds. Securing outdoor objects could help you avoid broken windows or fences.
Preparing for Storm Surges Year-Round in Daytona Beach
Staying aware of your local weather forecasts can help you learn about storm threats early and begin preparing your home. Weather apps such as NOAA Radar & Weather Forecast can provide real-time storm surge predictions and keep you updated on your local area’s safety. You can also watch your local news broadcast to learn about the upcoming weather in your area.
Emergency plans help you and your family act decisively in times of disaster. Sometimes, no amount of planning or preparation will help you stay safe in your residence during a natural disaster. When the weather becomes too severe for your safety, have a plan in place. Knowing where you are going and which items are essential can help you avoid panicking or forgetting an important possession.
Flood insurance is essential if you live in a coastal community. Flooding is a common type of storm surge damage, and it is not covered in the typical homeowner’s insurance policy. This flood insurance policy is the best way to quickly get back on your feet if your home is severely damaged during a storm or hurricane. Flood insurance provides policyholders with a way to receive a timely payout that restores their flood-damaged home. If you have not purchased flood insurance, consider assessing your property’s flood zone and reviewing flood insurance options based on the unique risks in Daytona Beach.
When to Call a Professional for Storm Damage Repair
Storm damage is not always noticeable to the naked eye, but there are warning signs that a surge might have damaged your home. Water infiltration, mold growth, ceiling leaks, and compromised structural integrity are all signs your home has experienced lasting damage as the result of a storm surge. If you notice any of these problems in your home, reach out to a professional as quickly as possible. Certain forms of storm damage, such as mold growth, can easily become bigger problems if left untreated.
Why Choose ServiceMaster Professional Services Daytona Beach
For quality residential restoration services, choose ServiceMaster Professional Services Daytona Beach. Our storm damage repair team helps restore homes to their pre-loss condition. Through water extraction, drying services, and structural repairs, our comprehensive storm damage services help residential buildings regain their value, beauty, and comfort, restoring homeowners’ peace of mind.
As a local business, we understand the importance of swift response times in the event of a storm surge. Storm damages can quickly worsen if not handled in a timely manner, and our team is committed to helping homeowners when their home is in peril. Whether it is mold remediation, structural remediation, or long-term damage prevention, we help homeowners fix their immediate problems and develop a plan to protect their homes against future natural disasters.
If your home has suffered damage from a recent storm surge or if you need help preparing for the next one, contact ServiceMaster Restore Daytona Beach for expert storm damage repair. Our team is ready to restore your home to its best condition. Call us today to discuss your restoration needs and learn more about how we can help.
