Almost four years ago, Middle Tennessee was hit with some of the most horrific flooding the state and city of Nashville has ever seen. These dangerous floods caused over thousands of dollars in damage to both landscape and property and 24 deaths in the state (11 in Davidson county). According to the National Weather Service, flooding is the second deadliest type of severe weather in the country, ahead of tornadoes. That is why, their offices have declared this past week Flood Safety Awareness Week for the entire country. There are always some simple steps you can prepare your lawn or landscape in the event of an emergency flood with the help of the Parke Company and knowledge of flood safety.
One of the major reasons floods can be so dangerous is they can arrive during any time of the year and from a variety of systems such as slow-moving or stationary frontal systems. It is important to be well-educated and armed for these emergency situations. The different kinds of flooding can be a bit mind boggling. Here are a couple points to help you refresh your memory.
Types of floods:
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Flash Flooding — This type of flooding usually occurs rapidly within six hours since initial rainfall begins. This flooding is due to creeks and streams quickly flooding into otherwise dry areas.
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Areal Flooding — This type of flooding is still just as dangerous as flash flooding, but happens over a gradual amount of time (over six hours since initial rainfall begins). This flooding is also caused by creeks and streams, but also over flood-prone areas such as lawns or fields.
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River Flooding — This type of flooding is easy to define. It is the rise of water levels in rivers, such as the Cumberland River. This too, can be tagged as a major flood but it can also be classified as minor.
Preparing landscape and trees for floods:
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From a tree care and landscape perspective, preparing for floods is easy. Make sure any brush or debris is cleaned up around your trees, lawns, pipes and drainage systems. This will help avoid any clogging or flooding problems on your landscape.
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Have the emergency services number readily available . There are some things you just can’t control when flooding happens. Having an emergency situation is one of them. Be sure to call the Parke Company if you need tree care or you need some other emergency services assistance.
Understanding the types of flooding and how you can prepare your family, property, landscape and trees are important. For additional information about flooding and Flood Safety Awareness Week, visit the National Weather Service. Interested in scheduling a tree care service for your trees or lawns or need them for emergency services? Call them today.
Richland Creek Greenway in Sylvan Park during the Nashville flood in 2010.