You hear a lot about flooding and flood insurance, yet even with all the noise, it’s still easy to think, “I don’t live in a flood zone, it can’t happen to me.” But the truth is, it can. Floods can happen anywhere. They are not planned. In fact, there isn’t a state in the union that has NOT reported flooding.
Spring, while promising warmer weather and the rebirth of plant life, also brings the increased possibility of flooding. Let’s talk about flooding and some truths to help you determine if flood insurance should be added to your insurance portfolio for an extra measure of protection.
According to NOAA, a flood is defined as an overflow of water that submerges land that is usually dry. There can be many contributing factors to flooding, but some of the main causes include:
As we stated above, each of the 50 states in the US have reported flood damage. So, you need to be wary of floods no matter where you live. People who have homes near a body of water have the greatest risk. Homes near lakes, streams, the ocean, behind a levee or downstream from a dam should all seriously consider a flood insurance policy.
If you fall into any of the risk categories above, we’d like to offer you some facts about flood insurance to assist you in making an informed decision.
Making the decision to obtain flood insurance and finding suitable coverage doesn’t need to be a challenge. If you have been thinking about your risks and wondering if you need this type of coverage, please feel free to give one of our local offices a call.
If you do not already have a sump pump installed in your basement, look into having one installed. Consider backup power sources, like a battery, so your pump will run even when the power is out. Sump pumps should be checked annually to make sure they are functioning properly. You can test your sump pump by slowly pouring a bucket of water into the pump and waiting for it to turn on. If the pump does not appear to be functioning, try cleaning the pump by removing dirt or debris from the opening. If this does not fix the problem, look for worn parts, and look up manufacturer’s recommendations on when you should replace parts of your sump pump.
If your home does flood, do not stand in the water. If there is exposed wiring near the water, there could be a risk of electrocution. If you can safely gain access to your circuit breakers, you can turn off the power. If you cannot access them, you may need to call your power company to have them turn it off.
If the leak looks like it is coming from an appliance, see if you can safely turn off the water to that appliance. If the leak seems to be coming from somewhere else, safely locate the water shut off valve and turn off the water to your house.
Depending on the damage from the flood in your home, your next step may be calling your insurance company. The insurance company will typically have a list of approved companies who focus on flood cleanup and mold mitigation. If the water damage is not extensive, you may be able to clear the water yourself. You can remove water using a wet/dry vacuum or a mop and bucket. If any cardboard was dampened, throw it out to avoid bacterial growth. After removing the water and any damaged items, ventilate the area well by leaving doors open and using fans.
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This article is for general informational purposes only and is not to be relied upon or used for any particular purpose. Cross Insurance shall not be held responsible in any way for, and specifically disclaims any liability arising out of or in any way connected to, reliance on or use of any of the information contained in this article. The information contained or referenced in this article is not intended to constitute and should not be considered legal, insurance, accounting or other professional advice, nor shall it serve as a substitute for the recipient obtaining such advice. The views expressed in this article are that of its author and do not necessarily represent the views of Cross Financial Corp. and its subsidiaries and affiliates (“Cross Insurance”) or Cross Insurance’s management or shareholders.