Any home owner that has experienced flooding in their home due to natural disasters knows how devastating the results of such an occurrence can be. Floods not only destroy homes, neighborhoods and commercial buildings, but they are also extremely dangerous for those who do not take them seriously. Hurricanes, flash floods and other storms kill hundreds and sometimes thousands of people in the U.S every year. There have been many severe floods throughout our country, including in Greater Houston Texas, over the past 40 years that have left people without a home and even some that were unable to survive the flood. While the Great Galveston Storm of Sept. 8–9, 1900, was the worst natural disaster in U.S. history in terms of human life (loss of life has been estimated at 6,000 to 8,000), there have been many recent storms as well.

Houston & Southeast Texas Hurricanes in 2020)

July 25, 2020 – Hurricane Hanna made landfall with maximum sustained winds of 90 mph. Texas incurred over $1.1 billion in damage, sustaining heavy losses to crops in the Rio Grande Valley and widespread power outages affecting some 200,000 people. Five indirect deaths are attributed to this storm. Rainfall totals of 6–12″ occurred across the Rio Grande Valley, punctuated by a peak total of 15.49″ near Santa Rosa. The heavy rains triggered flash floods and prompt water rescues in Hidalgo and Cameron counties.
August 26, 2020 – The western extent of Hurricane Laura impacted Southeast Texas, bringing 60–110 mph wind gusts and leaving Orange the hardest hit. More than 160,000 energy customers lost power. Six people died of carbon monoxide poisoning in Laura’s aftermath
Mid-September 2020 – The slow-moving Tropical Storm Beta caused extensive rainfall across Southeast Texas, with a station in Brookside registering a peak accumulation of 15.77″. Significant flooding occurred in southern parts of Houston with damage to at least 20–25 homes. One person drowned in Brays Bayou.

Is it Safe to Stay in a House with Water Damage?

Depending on the situation, water damage can be very destructive and expensive not to mention that if left unrestored, it can lead to mold which can be very dangerous for your health and the stability of your house’s structure. After experiencing a flood, whether due to a hurricane, tornado or flash flooding for example, you need to think of the process of home restoration in order to be able to live in a safe environment. There are important factors that need to be taken into consideration when deciding if it’s better to temporarily move or not.

Extent of Water Damage in House

Staying in a house that has been damaged by flooding due to a natural disaster such as a hurricane or thunderstorm is not considered safe for many reasons, one of the main ones being the potential formation of mold. After water damage occurs, it is possible that mold and mildew can start growing in as little as 24-48 hours. The presence of mold in the home can pose dangerous health risks for your family, especially if mold is growing in the bedrooms. In addition, during the process of home restoration, professionals might sometimes need strong disinfectant chemicals in order to clean up water damage and mold. These types of toxic fumes are not safe for breathing in so it’s best to stay away for at least a couple of days after they’ve been sprayed into your home. If the water damage has reached the rooms you regularly use such as the kitchen, bathrooms and bedrooms, you may want to find a temporary home.

Flood & Water Damage Restoration in Baytown, Pasadena, League City, Pearland, Missouri City, Sugar Land, Cypress, The Woodlands, Spring & Greater Houston, Texas

Disaster Services can handle all of your flood and water damage restoration needs from boarding up your doors and windows before the storm to installing emergency roof tarps after the storm, extracting standing water, structural drying, cleaning and disinfecting, repairing and rebuilding. No matter whether you choose to stay away from the property until we are completely finished or return as soon as it is safe for you to do so, we will work hard to restore or remodel your property so you can enjoy living their safely and happily again. Call us whenever disaster strikes!