Do You Know Your Flood Risk?

With Hurricane Dorian expected to strengthen into a category 4 and all the disastrous news from Hurricane Season over the past few years, it’s important to re-evaluate your thoughts on flood insurance.

For most people, flood insurance is the last thing we consider when buying a home. People tend to think if they are not in a high-risk flood zone, they will not need to spend the extra money on flood protection. We have learned from these current storms, that this is often not the case. Better safe than sorry.

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According to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), floods are the number one natural disaster in the country and if you think floods won’t affect you and your home, think again. According to the NFIP, everyone lives in a flood zone. Even those who don’t live near water are at risk, because anywhere it rains, it can flood. Heavy rains, clogged or insufficient drainage systems, nearby construction projects, broken water mains and inadequate levees and dams can cause flooding that put your home and belongings at risk.

Your home is one of your greatest investments. It’s important to prepare ahead should disaster occur. Here are three simple steps to help make sure you’re ready in the event of a flood.

Create a “flood file” and keep it in an accessible waterproof and fireproof container. It should contain a personal property inventory of your home, a copy of your insurance information, copies of any critical personal documents (e.g. social security cards, titles and deeds), and a CD backup of computer documents and digital photos.
Prepare your home by making sure your sump pump works and has a battery backup, your gutters and downspouts are clear, your electronics and appliances are elevated, and any valuables and keepsakes are moved to a higher level.
Develop an emergency plan that includes evacuation routes from home, work and school. Make sure that plan includes an out-of-town contact list that all family members can call in case you get separated. Also, create an emergency kit with extra drinking water, non-perishable food, first-aid materials, blankets, a battery-powered radio, a flashlight, and extra batteries that can be grabbed easily if you need to evacuate.

It’s important to know that most home policies don’t cover flooding and just a few inches of water damage can cost thousands. To get an idea of what flooding can do, check out this interactive tool.

“We don’t just sell policies, we deliver solutions!” Email me at: cindy@gillmanins.com

Cindy Koegel

Cindy Koegel | Gillman Insurance Problem Solvers
Home & Auto Insurance Problem Solver
cindy@gillmanins.com
11375 South Bridge Pkwy Suite 100, Alpharetta, GA 30022
Phone: (678) 822-0144