Spring flooding in the United States was light this year – we got lucky, you might say. Recent years, however, have been quite alarming. Depending on where you live, flooding can pose a serious threat to your business. Flood damaged documents are a huge burden on a business attempting to recover from a flood disaster. Vacuum freeze drying technology can be used to restore most flood damaged documents, but quick action is of the essence.
Of course, there are things you can do you to prepare for possible future floods, which will help you prevent flood damaged documents and the need for vacuum freeze drying in the first place. One way is to be more informed about the natural phenomenon of flooding. Indeed, there are many ways flooding can reach your business; knowing more about flooding will give you a better idea of the warning signs and how you can prepare. Here are some of the main causes of flooding:
Seasonal rains. Springtime in North America is the usual flooding season. For instance, many scientist point to the influence of the El Nino heating cycles of the southern Pacific ocean. This ocean warming – which many link to global warming – leads to major seasonal flooding in North America every few years. To help avoid flood damaged documents at your business, always keep an eye on the weather forecast a month out.
Tsunamis. The term comes from the Japanese word for “harbor wave.” In fact, when Genghis Khan’s son, Kublai Khan, tried to invade Japan in the late 13th century, two great tsunamis were credited for destroying the invading ships. In most cases, however, a tsunami is not seen as fortunate but as a serious disaster. Flood damaged documents are common for businesses trapped in heavy flooding areas, which is why it is a good idea to make digital backups of your documents.
Tropical storms. Also known as hurricanes or cyclones when their magnitude is much greater, tropical storms are common to all tropical coastlines and tropical areas. When a massive hurricane hits the eastern coast of the United States, a tropical storm is no longer just another storm but a serious threat to your business and community. Companies located in tropical storm zones should retain a vacuum freeze drying service they can contact post-deluge for their document restoration needs.
Coastal surges. These are different than tropical storms, in that coastal surges can occur during any season, in hot or cold climates. Basically, a coastal surge occurs when high winds push and induce major rainfall along the coastline. This phenomenon is not only dangerous to boaters and beach goers, but the sudden surges of water and wind often lead to inland flooding.
Geography. No, not the geography you learned in high school – but close. Rather, the geography of a particular region. The layout of terrain, mountains, hills and plains, for instance, has a huge impact on how flooding spreads and occurs in the first place. Not surprisingly, businesses at higher elevations are at less risk for flood damaged documents than coastal or valley businesses.
In conclusion, floods occur because of a number of natural phenomena. Usually it boils down to wind levels, rainfall and temperature. But depending on where your business is located, you will have different flood warnings to heed. In the unfortunate case that your business is flooded and you are left with flood damaged documents, you can contact a document restoration specialist. For the highest quality restoration, use a vacuum freeze drying service. Vacuum freeze drying will restore your documents with less wear and tear than traditional air drying services.
[ Photo by: Thomas Good, via CC License ]
