Protect Yourself From Floods

Protection

Source: SFGATE

• Avoid building on a flood plain unless you elevate and reinforce your home

• Think about installing "check valves" to prevent water from backing up into the drains of your home

• Create and emergency kit and a family flood plan

Why Purchase Flood Insurance

• More the 1/5 of flood claims come from outside mapped high-risk flood areas             

• Most homeowner insurance policies do not cover flooding due to excess rain or bodies of water

• Federal Disaster Assistance is only available if the President declares a disaster

• Flood Insurance is available at any time as long as you have a current policy

How To Obtain Flood Insurance

• Flood Insurance is provided through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)

• There are certified agents around the country

• Follow this link to find one in your area: Find a Flood Insurance Agent

What To Do After A Flood 

• Check for structural damage to your home before entering

• Contact your service providers if you suspect any damage to your water, sewer, gas or electric lines

• Boil water for drinking purposes unless the water supply has declared safe

• Take pictures of all damage to your items and structures

• Create a list of damaged or missing items

• Move all wet items that could hold water from your home to prevent mold from growing. Mold can appear between 24 to 48 hours of flood.

• Make sure to leave wet items outside your home because your insurance adjuster will want to see the damage and take pieces of the damaged items

• Call your insurance agent with the name of your insurance company (some agents may write for multiple companies), your policy number, and a phone number or email address where you can be reached

Source: National Flood Insurance Program