March 20th is the end of winter for North America! We all start feeling better once spring finally arrives in the Twin Cities. The skies are blue, the leaves are green, and you don’t have to bundle up to leave your house. What’s not to like?

Two words: Spring flooding.

Warm-weather thaws are a significant contributor to St Paul and Minneapolis flooding. The Paul Davis Restoration of Greater MSP team wants to help you prepare for and recover from these types of incidents. But first, let’s discuss what spring thaws are and trusted flood prevention methods.

What Are Spring Thaws?

When winter finally yields to spring, the frozen ground cannot immediately absorb the water from the melting snow. This means the water from the snow will run off into rivers, streams, and lakes, resulting in an increased flooding probability.

Preparing For Spring Thaws & Floods

In the United States, flash floods are the most common severe weather disaster. In only two feet of water, floods can carry objects as large as a car! Follow these tips to help you and your family prepare for potential spring flooding.

Create a Plan – The first thing you should always do is create a family emergency evacuation plan. Review it with your family, so everyone knows what to do.
Develop an Emergency Kit – Make sure to include a gallon of water per person, a first aid kit, battery-powered radio, signal whistle, dust masks, moist towelettes, garbage bags, pliers, and local maps.
Look at Flood Maps and Get Insured – Know your area and secure proper flood insurance. Learn if you are in a severe flood area.
Understand Flood Terms – Do you know the difference between a flood watch and a flood warning? When a flood watch is issued, it means that there is a chance a flood will happen in your area. A flood warning means one is imminent, and you need to take action immediately.
Clean Your Gutters – They play an essential role during heavy rains, so clear them regularly. We’ll have more on preventative measures later.

What To Do if Spring Flooding Hits

During flooding, knowing what to do can keep you and your loved ones safe from harm, whether you’re in the car or at home.

Driving During Flooding:

If you lose traction in your tires, remove your foot off the accelerator until you can steer the car again. Never brake!
If your car goes into a fishtail spin, ease off the gas slowly. Do not brake unless your foot is already on the brake, then remove it slowly. Steer into the opposite direction towards the skid.
Avoid driving through a flooded roadway, no matter how shallow you think the water looks. There is no way to predict how deep the water is.
To prevent a car accident, keep extra space between you and the car in front of you. While averaging 64 mph, one vehicle’s distance to a complete stop is about 304 ft. or the length of an entire football field.
Look at your tire pressure once a month. Properly inflated tires can save money with better gas mileage and help prevent crashes caused by failed tires.

Inside Your Home or Office During Flooding:

Follow any evacuation protocol. Call 911 in the event of danger.
Try to secure your home before evacuating if it’s safe to do so.
Use at-home sandbags and towels inside of pipes.
Call your insurance company right away.
Once you’re ready to restore your space, reach out to our team.

If you need emergency board-ups, call us at 1-888-473-7669.

Water Damage Restoration Services

If spring flooding damages your home or office, here is a list of services we offer at Paul Davis Restoration of Greater MSP:

24/7 emergency services.
Assessments of water damage, extraction, and removal.
Drying out affected areas of your home (including walls, carpet/padding, furniture).
Cleaning and restoring personal possessions (clothes, linens, books, documents, etc.)
Mold and mildew remediation.
Locating and repairing the source of leaking water.
Assistance with insurance claims.

Household Flood Prevention

With seasonal changes come potential seasonal issues. Improvements to your home or business probably won’t make them impenetrable to spring flooding, but you can prepare yourself for an event like this. These preventative measures can reduce potential property damage to your home or office and help to prevent basement flooding:

Inspect Your Gutters

Water damage can occur from improper drainage, so make sure your gutters are clear and functioning. Downspouts should drain away from the foundation, approximately five feet, and be cleared of debris. All current landscaping should divert water away from the foundation.

Look at Your Washing Machine Hose

Inspect the hose for cracks that could become leaks. A hose that leaks under pressure can cause severe damage. The 5/8” hose can pump 10-12 gallons per minute. Consider changing to a no-burst hose to reduce your risk for damage.

Wipe Your Dryer Vent

Wake your dryer vent, then take a look at the outside exhaust. Any lint that’s not caught in the lint trap can clog the vent. A plugged vent is less efficient and a fire hazard. A clear vent will save you money by reducing the time your dryer runs.

Vacuum Your Refrigerator Coils

The coils on the back or bottom of your refrigerator conduct the hot air from inside the unit. If clogged with dust, they are less effective and cause your fridge to work harder, which increases your electric bill. Use a vacuum cleaner hose or a brush to clean the coils. Check water lines for leaks to avoid water damage.

Test Your Sump Pump

Slowly pour water from a five-gallon bucket into the crock. Observe the sump pump switch. It should turn on and begin to pump water from the crock. Wait until the water pumps from the receptacle to ensure the pump turns itself off, and then slowly pour the remaining water to ensure the pump turns on again.

Your Minneapolis and St Paul Flooding Experts

Have you experienced the devastating effects of a spring thaw? Remember, Paul Davis Restoration of Greater MSP is there to help if you have any property damage caused by fire, water, mold, or storms. Reach out to our team immediately to get the help you need. We provide flood damage cleanup and restoration services to get you back on your feet as quickly as possible. Contact us any time. Need emergency services? Call us at 651.243.0737.

In the meantime, here’s to a beautiful springtime filled with love, acts of kindness, and plenty of sunshine.

– From your neighbors at Paul Davis