Flooding in Iowa

6/22/2019 (Permalink)

After 13 inches of rain fell over a 2-day period in Burlington, Iowa this May, SERVPRO crews traveled to the area in order to remediate the flooding. The storms resulted in much more than heavy rain, as large hail, high winds, and tornadoes swept through the area as well. The Missouri River flooded as well, which only added to the extensive flooding across the area. Since an unheard of 25 inches of snow fell in Des Moines, Iowa this February, the subsequent major snow melt restricted the ground from being able to absorb May’s inundation of rainfall. The rain water therefore spread across major roadways and flooded homes.

Approximately 30 job files were received by SERVPRO to remediate the flooding, so 3 crews were sent to do the job. Various types of damage can be caused to homes by flooding, including the contamination of drywall and the destruction of support beams. The flooding can even cause damage to the foundation of homes, which can be very serious. More specifically, flooding can also lead to wet finished basements as well as wet content, walls, and flooring. The probability of mold growth is increased during the first 24 hours after contamination. Therefore, restoration crews had to act fast.

The crews’ ability to help return the lives of those affected by the flooding back to normal motivated them to travel to Iowa, as it arose in them a certain feeling of satisfaction from being able to help so many people.