Did you know that floods and flash floods are the most common natural disasters occurring in all 50 states? Additionally, one in three flood insurance claims are generated outside areas considered “flood-prone.”
Because homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage, it’s important to prepare for a worst-case scenario. Make a written, photographic or videotaped inventory of household possessions and property and store it somewhere safe.
Assemble a disaster supplies kit that includes a first aid kit, canned food, non-electric can opener, bottled water (emergency managers recommend 3 gallons of water per person), rubber boots, rubber gloves, battery-powered radio, flashlights and extra batteries.
Go over with your family your evacuation location where you can meet in case of a disaster, like a flood.
When a flood warning is issued, listen to local radio and TV stations for information. When a flood watch is issued, move furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home.
If you become trapped by rising water in your car, abandon it and climb to higher ground. Do not drive into any large puddles or into water that seems to be moving rapidly.
After a flood:
- Call your insurance agent as soon as possible to see if you need to file a claim.
- Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage. Keep all receipts.
- Delay permanent repairs until your insurer approves reimbursement.
- Get any necessary construction permits from your community.
- Prepare an inventory of all damaged or destroyed personal property. Take photos of damaged areas.
- Save remnants of damaged or destroyed property for your insurance company adjuster.
- Meet with your adjuster before signing anything with contractors, lawyers or public adjuster.
- Let your car dry out before trying to start it.
Flood insurance picks up where your homeowners insurance leaves off. It is not expensive, especially when compared with the monthly payments for diasaster loans, and it’s easy to get – just call your insurance agent.
Your insurance agent can help you determine how much flood insurance to purchase.
