York has historically experienced frequent flooding. However, the advent of climate change and modifications to land management practices upstream have made these floods increasingly disastrous in recent years. In York, however, it is not uncommon to see a river surging and overflowing its regular boundaries.
An unprecedented rate of Earth’s warming is being caused by human activities, as proven by lots of scientific evidence. Already, it is to blame for the world’s increasingly severe droughts, rising sea levels, and extreme weather.
York, PA, will need to make difficult decisions to find out how to reduce emissions without damaging the future of its citizens and towns.
Reasons Why Is York Prone To Flooding
York experienced major flooding in June 1972, May 1889, January 1996, and September 2011. The causes why is York prone to flooding are listed below.
- Because York is low-lying and extremely flat, floodwaters spread quickly
- Changes in the pattern of temperatures
- Changing patterns of rainfall
- Deforestation
- Elevated runoff from the surface
- Excessive amount of rain
- Heathers and low-interception moorland make up the upper basin’s high-altitude vegetation.
- High tides
- Larger volume of water
- Newly developed neighbourhoods, industrial zones, and out-of-town commercial centres
- Permian limestone with rapid water absorption. A significant portion of the clay is impermeable, which means that water cannot permeate the soil and enters the river more quickly, cutting down on lag time.
- Rising sea levels
- Slopes with steep relief that reduce soil penetration and speed up surface discharge
- Storm surges
- Tarmac and concrete
- Uplands’ drainage increases water flow into streams
Prepare Before The Flooding!
Flooding is the natural disaster that causes the most damage and is also the most frequent. Aside from the reasons why York is prone to flooding, a flood can affect you even if it’s not raining, regardless of where you are. Even if there has never been flooding close to where you live, you could still be in danger.
Floods can occur far from a body of water, although they are frequently linked to overflowing rivers and sea swells accompanying tropical cyclones. Heavy rainstorms have the potential to flood cities. If you reside in a high-risk location, planning for a flood should be part of your preparedness strategy. Take a look at our recommendations below for flood preparedness.
- Do not camp or park next to a river.
- Do not stroll, swim, or play in floodwaters.
- Get a sump pump system installed to eliminate water from your property.
- Get your emergency kit ready.
- Get your flood plan ready.
- Get your livestock and pets ready.
- Get your property ready.
- Gutter debris should be cleared.
- If you need to evacuate or get to higher ground or the highest floor of something, you must know where to go and how to get there.
- Make sure your basement is waterproof.
- Purchase flood insurance if possible.
- Put standpipes or back-flow valves on sewage lines to prevent water from backing into the property.
- Seal the walls of your basement to stop water seepage.
- Understand the risk of flooding.
- Uplift and secure the utilities. Your essential utilities, such as wiring, appliances, heating systems, propane tanks, outlets, electrical panels, and wiring, should all be uplifted and secured.
- Uplift or reposition the furniture you have.
Prepare After The Flooding!
Many hazards still exist after your property has flooded, even though the floodwaters may have receded in some areas. After the flooding, keep in mind these things:
- Be very careful while entering properties as there can be concealed damage, especially in the foundation.
- Everything that gets soaked needs to be dried and cleaned.
- Flood debris is slippery and can conceal shattered bottles and animals – don’t drive or stroll through it.
- For insurance claims, take photographs of the property’s damage as well as what’s inside.
- If floodwaters are encircling something, evacuate immediately.
- If you are not specifically asked to assist by the police, fire department, or relief authority, avoid going near damaged areas.
- If you happen to notice a gas smell or hear a hissing or blowing sound, open a window and get out of there fast. Turn off the gas at the outermost main valve if at all possible.
- If your car stalls in swiftly rising waves, get out of the vehicle and get to higher ground.
- Inform the proper authorities about any damaged utility wires.
- Keep yourself safe! There may be more flooding or flash floods. Pay attention to any local alerts or information.
- Only use lights that run on batteries, as there can be flammable items around.
- Pay attention to any fallen trees or power wires, washed-out roads, or earth slides.
- Put on sturdy footwear. Cut feet are the most frequent injury encountered after a flood.
- Remain strongly grounded. You could be swept away by flowing water that is only six inches deep. Power lines that have fallen or are subterranean may electrically charge standing water.
- Restore sewage systems that are damaged as soon as you can.
- Take caution on a road that is flooded or has barricades.
- Take note of areas where the floodwaters have subsided. When a vehicle is driven on, weaker roads may crumble.
- Wait until the authorities say it’s safe to return home.
- Till an electrician has checked the system for safety, keep the power off.
- To prevent structural damage, slowly drain flooded basements by pumping out roughly one-third of the water volume each day.
Time To Call A Restoration Service!
If drying up the flooded water, cleaning the area, and restoring the property seems like too much work for you, it’s time to contact the nearest, most reliable local restoration service. They can help you with cleaning up and restoring your property to its original state.
