In light of Hurricane Harvey, having flood insurance may seem more crucial than ever. Floods are unpredictable and can happen to anyone. Living in the Southeastern US, you might be more susceptible to flooding than other parts of the country. Flooding can destroy your home, be financially devastating, and displace your family. Let’s explore common causes of floods and how you can protect yourself.
What causes flooding?
Flooding is caused by a variety of factors. Heavy rain storms will result in flooding. If you live near a river, you might be within its flooding zone. During certain times of the year, the river could swell and flood nearby areas. Hurricanes will also bring excessive flooding. Occasionally, there is a dam or levee that overflows. This can flood your home or even destroy it. Mudslides and snow melt can have a similar effect. Know the risks in your area and how it may affect you.
Why should you get flood insurance?
Shockingly, many people do not have flood insurance, even in areas that have floods. Most people presume that their home insurance covers them. That is not true in a vast majority of cases. You may also be required to obtain this insurance if you live in a high-risk area. Check the local flood maps. If you are buying a new home, be sure to inquire whether it is on a flood plain. Having the insurance will help you receive funds in a natural disaster emergency. There are so many reasons to protect your home.
What should you do in the case of a flood?
The first action you should take is to obtain flood insurance. Stay in contact with alerts from the media and government agencies. You should also prepare to be without flood or electricity for several days. An emergency preparedness kit is a great idea. You should add supplies, like batteries, flash lights, water bottles, and cash. Plan evacuation routes in case of an emergency. Get supplies to cover windows and doorways. Try to evacuate with enough time to avoid a storm. If you think evacuation is risky, do not proceed. Once the flood is over, survey the damage. Be careful to avoid staying in inhospitable conditions and debris. Discuss your situation with your insurance provider. Taking these steps will mitigate risk and allow you to recover faster.
How do you pick out the right policy for you?
Our company is very experienced with flood insurance. We can walk you through the policies and ensure your coverage is sufficient, at an affordable price. Remember, your home is your sanctuary. This is not something you want to risk. There are a couple of questions you should ask. You should know what is covered in the policy and what is not covered. You may also want to ask questions about the deductible. That is the amount you will pay before the insurance kicks in. Also, you will want to keep in mind that most policies will take thirty days to start. Therefore, do not delay in getting a policy.
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