This year is already shaping up to be a rough one for Oregon, in terms of harsh weather and drainage issues.
While our coastal neighbors have borne the worst of this past winter, we’ve certainly felt the pressure here in the Portland area too. In early January, a rain-prompted landslide closed down the I-84, and the rising water levels within the city itself became so urgent that residents were asked to come outside to help clear the storm drains.
By the end of February, Oregon City was on flood watch, while Portland, not exactly dry ourselves, shivered through the record-breaking cold.
It seems like hardly a day has gone by when we haven’t been on active flood watch ourselves, hearing about nearby flood watches, or bracing for the next bad weather news. If you haven’t done so already, it’s time to make a plan, not just for surviving a flood, but for making sure you can continue thriving after one.
Flood Risks in the Portland Area Aren’t Letting Up Any Time Soon
It’s always tempting to focus on getting through just this one weather advisory, just this one season, and celebrate our good fortune when we come through relatively unscathed.
Unfortunately, this isn’t just one bad season we can grit our way through. If trends continue, Portland is projected to face major flooding risks for the next 30 years.
Portland residents can’t afford to think of flood safety as a just-in-case contingency, like our burglar or carbon monoxide alarms. Planning for a flood is more like backing up our computers, knowing that their lifespans are limited.
It’s not so much a question of whether water damage will someday affect our homes and businesses. It’s a question of when, and of how we will respond when it does.
Having a Flood Plan Can Make the Difference Between Minor and Catastrophic Damage
So, what exactly does it mean to be truly flood-ready?
For a renter, it might just mean stocking up on canned goods in case of a power outage, pre-packing an escape bag, and keeping an emergency radio to listen for evacuation and shelter information.
If your stability and livelihood are tied to property ownership, however, there’s more to it than that. You’ll need to make sure your homeowners and/or commercial property insurance includes adequate coverage for flood damage.
It’s also a very good idea to know who you’re planning to call in case of a flood. Most people don’t think that far ahead, but once your property has even the beginnings of water damage, you have 24-48 hours at best before mold sets in. Once it does, it will continue to worsen and spread until it’s dealt with. The crucial moments after a flood are not a good time to have to search for an available water damage contractor.
Premier Restoration Partners is an independent, Portland-based restoration company, providing 24/7 emergency services to local homeowners and businesses. We’re experts in water damage restoration and mold removal, and we coordinate with our clients’ insurance companies, to minimize delays and hassles.
If you keep us on your flood watch speed dial, we won’t let you down.
