3 Methods To Prevent Flooding

11/16/2020 (Permalink)

Sandbags are an inexpensive and low-tech way to stop flooding

Methods To Block The Flow Of Water

High water can creep over levies, bridges, beaches, and river banks. In extreme situations, floodwater can cripple entire towns. Luckily, cities have many options to choose from to protect inhabitants from floods. The costs associated with flood prevention are often justified because flood water can cause a significant amount of damage to a city. In a worst case scenario, people can be evacuated or left without power for weeks or months. Here are three methods cities are using to block the flow of water.

1. Sandbags
Sandbags are an inexpensive and low-tech way to stop flooding. Although the bags of sand are heavy and can be difficult to maneuver, they can be set up when needed and in minimal time. Sandbags may be appropriate for drier areas that are rarely threatened by floodwaters. Sandbags can be stacked on top of each other, but are not appropriate for high waves that can crash over the top of the sandbags.

2. Oosterscheldekering
Around a third of Holland sits below sea level. To keep the city safe from high water, engineers designed a unique solution. The Oosterscheldekering appears similar to a traditional dam but consists of moveable gates that are used to easily control the level of water.

3. Hagestein Weir
A moveable weir is located near the village of Hagestein in the Netherlands. The Hagestein Weir is not only used to stop flooding, but is also used to generate clean power. Two enormous arched gates that together span 54 meters can be lowered to stop the flow of water or raised to let the water pass through. Rhode Island used a similar system after Hurricane Sandy.
High water can leave a path of devastation in its path. As a business owner in Edmond, OK, you want to find the best location for your business, which includes protection against floodwaters. If you find yourself with damage after a flood, call a professional water remediation company to help restore your business to its pre-flood condition.