Why Flood Insurance Matters

FEATURED, Scenarios and Theory

Originally posted 2019-02-21 19:55:19.

If you’re into the preparedness world, you probably have heard the analogy that prepping and disaster readiness are somewhat like buying an insurance policy.  The humble author of this blog works by day doing real estate, and most recently I started selling flood insurance.  Now, that seems like kind of a strange profession for someone that lives in a landlocked and very dry state (I am licensed in over 20 states, but that’s an aside)  When I got into the flood insurance business, it didn’t take me very long to realize that flooding is one of the most devastating natural disasters for your home and personal belongings.

why you should carry flood insurance

Flooding can happen any time – any where.  Don’t be fooled into thinking that it can’t happen to your home.  Even if you live in a moderate or very dry climate, sustained rainfall can easily create rivers where previously there were dry gulches, and the thought of having a flood insurance policy becomes not such a strange thought.  This is all the more important to remember, because your regular homeowners policy does not cover damages from flooding. 

Flood insurance was previously only available through the NFIP (a branch of FEMA) because many insurers did not want to take on the risk.  Now, there are more private options available in the flood insurance marketplace, such as Lloyds of London flood insurance policies that are oftentimes cheaper and have better coverage than what is available through NFIP.  Often times if you live in a ‘low risk’ zone (remember, floods can happen anywhere)  then you can acquire this insurance for a very reasonable premium.

Some quick Flood Insurance Facts

(borrowed from Ready.gov)

Failing to evacuate flooded areas, entering flood waters, or remaining after a flood has passed can result in injury or death. Flooding is a temporary overflow of water onto land that is normally dry. Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States. Floods may:

  • Result from rain, snow, coastal storms, storm surges, and overflows of dams and other water systems.
  • Develop slowly or quickly – Flash floods can come with no warning.
  • Cause outages, disrupt transportation, damage buildings, and create landslides.
  •  IF YOU ARE UNDER A FLOOD WARNING, FIND SAFE SHELTER RIGHT AWAY
    • Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
      • Just six inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
    • Stay off of bridges over fast-moving water.
    • Determine how best to protect yourself based on the type of flooding.
      • Evacuate if told to do so.
      • Move to higher ground or a higher floor.
      • Stay where you are.

    HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN A FLOOD THREATENS

    Prepare NOW

    • Know types of flood risk in your area. Visit FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center for information.
    • Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
    • If flash flooding is a risk in your location, then monitor potential signs, such as heavy rain.
    • Learn and practice evacuation routes, shelter plans, and flash flood response.
    • Gather supplies in case you have to leave immediately, or if services are cut off. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Don’t forget the needs of pets. Obtain extra batteries and charging devices for phones and other critical equipment.
    • Purchase or renew a flood insurance policy. It typically takes up to 30 days for a policy to go into effect and can protect the life you’ve built. Homeowner’s policies do not cover flooding. Get flood coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
    • Keep important documents in a waterproof container. Create password-protected digital copies.
    • Protect your property. Move valuables to higher levels. Declutter drains and gutters. Install check valves. Consider a sump pump with a battery.

    Survive DURING

    • Depending on where you are, and the impact and the warning time of flooding, go to the safe location that you previously identified.
    • If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Never drive around barricades. Local responders use them to safely direct traffic out of flooded areas.
    • Listen to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions.
    • Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. Turn Around. Don’t Drown!
    • Stay off bridges over fast-moving water. Fast-moving water can wash bridges away without warning.
    • If your vehicle is trapped in rapidly moving water, then stay inside. If water is rising inside the vehicle, then seek refuge on the roof.
    • If trapped in a building, then go to its highest level. Do not climb into a closed attic. You may become trapped by rising floodwater. Go on the roof only if necessary. Once there, signal for help.

    Be Safe AFTER

    • Listen to authorities for information and instructions. Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
    • Avoid driving, except in emergencies.
    • Snakes and other animals may be in your house. Wear heavy gloves and boots during clean up.
    • Be aware of the risk of electrocution. Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. If it is safe to do so, turn off the electricity to prevent electric shock.
    • Avoid wading in floodwater, which can contain dangerous debris and be contaminated. Underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water.
    • Use a generator or other gasoline-powered machinery ONLY outdoors and away from windows.

    Associated Content

Get a flood insurance quote

If you’d like me to quote your home or business for a flood insurance policy, I would love to help!  Fill out the form below and I’ll get in touch with you.


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