In New York State, especially along the eastern regions, flooding can happen at any time of year. Anything from melting snow, to extended spring showers, even beaver dam breaks can lead to flooding. Believe it or not, flooding causes more damage in the United States than any other type of extreme weather. Recent tropical storms such as Sandy, and particular the Ulster County area: Hurricane Irene, revealed how dangerous and destructive flooding can be, even in the Northeast. So as the snow starts to melt and spring storms roll in, Taft Street Realty presents some flood safety tips and advice for the Hudson Valley Region.
If you own an Ulster County NY home, the best advice we can give is simply to be prepared, be aware, and stay informed. Being informed is essential. Be sure to listen to local Ulster County NY radio and television broadcasts and heed warnings especially when instructed to evacuate. Also be prepared. Say you and your family had to evacuate at a moment's notice, would you be ready? Think in advance what you'd pack and what routes you'd take in case you needed to leave for say, 5-10 days time. Lastly be aware and remember simple common sense rules of safety: don't drive into areas that appear flooded, stay away from downed power lines during wet weather & flooding, and make sure your children (and pets!) avoid standing flood water which can quickly become contaminated with all sort of toxins. An important thing to look for when buying a home in Ulster County NY, are signs of drainage problems and/or evidence of flooding!
A lesson learned from Hurricane Sandy and Irene was that flooding can be more extensive and far reaching than we ever thought, so everyone should be prepared for floods. Of course some areas in the Ulster County region are more prone to flooding than others. Homes and real estate along the Rondout & Esopus Creeks, and on the banks of the Hudson River are more at risk than homes on higher elevations. So take it from Taft Street - Don't be afraid of flooding, just be prepared!
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