In Florida, the “Sunshine State” can prove to be an ironic title. While many visitors know the state to be the site of beaches and tans and sun-filled vacations, locals know otherwise. When you experience Florida all year round, you know that the state is not as sunny as it pretends to be. With summer being the rainiest season in Florida, many problems face those who live in the state. Between water damage, mold damage, and everything in between, Florida residents have a lot to worry about during the season of rain. Those who live in Port Charlotte have their own issues to be concerned with, including flooding. Understanding the issues and how to face them can help you or your loved ones from Port Charlotte protect their house and property.
About Port Charlotte
Located along the Charlotte Harbor Estuary which is near the Gulf of Mexico, Port Charlotte is a beautiful area with much waterfront property. The climate is normal for Florida, bordering between a warm and humid subtropical climate with that of the tropical wet and dry climate. Summers are expectedly long hot and humid, and the frequent afternoon thunderstorms can also be expected. With both the watery area and the thunderstorms, flooding and leaking are frequent visitors to the homes of Port Charlotte.
The summer months of June, July, and August bring the most amount of precipitation to Port Charlotte. This can bring many problems that are associated with unwanted water. Unwanted water can affect the roof by accumulating atop of it, causing it to bend from weight. If the water leaks over, it can leak inside the home or cause a puncture in the roofing. The difference in rain makes a difference, as well. If the rain falls toward gravity, then the roof is threatened. If the rain is driven by the wind, then a leak can come in through the windows or other areas that are supposed to be sealed.
The possibility of flooding is high in the area due to the Estuary and the Gulf. In the event of a flood, it is best to know what the flooding could do to your household and how to handle the event.
About the Floods and Flood Management of Port Charlotte
In Port Charlotte, flooding can specifically occur in places such as barrier and offshore islands, areas near bodies of water such as rivers, creeks, and canals, and in areas where the elevation is less than ten feet above sea level. High tides in the area can cause flooding as well. Charlotte County, home to Port Charlotte, can experience flooding in both extreme and less extreme circumstances, from much rainfall at once to a large amount of scattered rainfall.
The website of Charlotte County have many resources detailing the evacuation zones, flood zones, and their maps, as well as radio and television stations to tune in on in the event of such an emergency.
Hurricane season for Port Charlotte specifically is from the months of June to November
What to Do in the Event of a Flood in Port Charlotte
The preparation for any flood begins long before the flooding actually occurs. Upon buying your home in Port Charlotte, be sure to look into a National Flood Insurance Program. These programs are designed for the flood insurance coverage that is not covered by homeowners’ insurance. As you are purchasing the house, or if you do not know about your area, find out if your home is in a designated flood hazard area.
During the flooding, evacuate if necessary or move to higher, safer ground in general. If possible, keep yourself tuned in to the radio and television broadcasts in the area.
After the flood, your home and property may suffer from damage. Your life is the priority and keep in mind that everything inanimate is replaceable.
You may find that flooding or leaking have damaged your ceiling, walls, floors, carpet, or furniture. Call a professional immediately and do not use any electricity until a professional deems it safe. Take pictures of any damages for your insurance policy, and keep a record of everything that was specifically damaged, and if any leaks are discovered.
What Water Damage Can Do to Your Home
Water can sneak inside your home with either the weather or plumbing issues. A plumbing issue happens usually with the water system, or in the bathroom or kitchen. In the event of a leak, it is easy to fix a broken pipe. After the pipe has been cleaned, all that is left is cleaning up the water that leaked in and that’s that! But in the event of weather, it is not that simple.
Water can hitch a ride onto weather and can get into almost everywhere in your home. If your window is not closed enough, if a patch of your roof has a hole, or even if the bricks at the base of your house are not sealed, then water can get in. When water infiltrates a household, it can stain rugs, walls, ceilings, flooring, and carpet as well as furniture. When left to sit, it can cause rotting and can destroy an entire household. In Florida, many households are made with drywall, which can become devastated with flooding, leaking, or otherwise unwelcome water. The moist environment caused by water can create the perfect environment for mold growth, which can lead to sickness and respiratory symptoms to you or your loved ones. Flood water can also carry in foreign bacteria or chemicals from the outside.
When water comes in, it is best to do everything you can to get it out as soon as you can. Damage can cause you time and money, and dealing with a problem before it gets worse is a great way to save both of those assets.
Recap
Every residential location has its own fabric of design according to each surrounding environment. In regards to port Charlotte, Florida, many issues can arise from an environment so close to a larger body of water. Between the Charlotte Harbor Estuary, the Gulf of Mexico, and Florida’s rainy season, the damage done to property includes flooding, staining, leaking, and mold growth. In any of these cases, professional assistance can properly remove such incidents form the home, and while the beautiful state of Florida is prone to three of the wettest months of the year, individuals can protect their home from water and mold damage.