Protecting Against Floods

Flood damage can come at any time. Yet even though floods are unpredictable, there can be some very predictable weakness in your building. Take these 5 simple steps to secure yourself.

1. Go over your flood insurance coverage annually

It’s crucial to make sure your insurance coverage is up to date and suits your needs. You don’t want your life put on pause after a flood. Insurance means you can recover and move on as quickly as possible. In high-risk areas, flood insurance can be mandatory. But you should make sure that your policy fits your needs perfectly. There are many different types of policies or coverage values. Speak with your agent at the Flood Insurance Agency. Together, you can make a policy specific to your situation and be confidant in your coverage and insurance agency.

2. Identify and fix weak spots in your home or condominium

Openings around entrances, windows, soffits, or cable and electricity wires can often be vulnerable. But those can be fortified easily with some preparation. Small cracks or openings can be caulked. Make sure gutters and downspouts are open and cleared of debris. Raise electric items up, to at least 12 inches above the projected flood elevation. These items include electrical circuiting, outlets, breakers as well as other larger appliances like water heaters, air conditioning units, washers and dryers. If there is a parking level or basement, you may want to look into sump pumps or water alarms to see if they would be beneficial.

3. Create a home inventory

This helps you keep track of the value of your belongings. Not only to make sure your insurance coverage is sufficient, but these are also useful if you need to apply for disaster aid. A home inventory can also make the claims process go more quickly, and substantiate losses for income tax purposes. A handy tool for this is available online at www.knowyourstuff.org, provided by the Insurance Information Institute. It’s easy, free, secure, and allows you to access the inventory from any computer online.

4. Protect Important Documents

Put important documents into a waterproof container or safe deposit box. Such documents should include a copy of your insurance policies with your agent’s contact information, critical government documents, financial records and receipts for investments, stocks, and so on.

5. Have an emergency plan

Whether a private residence or a condominium, an emergency plan can help mitigate the chaos floods normally cause. Encourage every family to make an emergency plan - plans for pets, plans for a flood evacuation route to higher ground, and available safety kits in each home with drinking water, first aid, canned food, blankets, radio, and a flashlight.  Also, make sure that emergency phone numbers are readily posted, and that families have an out-of-state relative or friend as an emergency contact. For more information on preparing for floods and other emergencies, visit www.ready.gov.