Things to know about flood insurance.
It’s more common than you may think. Flooding is the most common natural disaster in the United States
Lack of coverage. Most homeowners policies will not cover flood damage
Don’t wait for a rainy day. There could be a 30 day waiting period before flood insurance takes effect
The impact from flooding varies. The destruction caused will depend on the speed of the water, duration of the flood, terrain and soil conditions, and the built environment (e. g., buildings, roads, and bridges). Some common impacts from flooding are…
- Commercial supplies and government support may be temporarily unavailable.
- Drinking water supplies and wells may become polluted.
- Erosion, which can damage roads, bridges, levees, and buildings with weak foundations.
- Just a few inches of flood water can cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage.
There is not much we can do to stop Mother Nature, but there is a lot we can do as individuals, homeowners, and community members to help prepare to make a natural disaster less catastrophic. Below are some of the steps you can take to help get ready for any unpredictable weather patterns. Being prepared for a flood can not only help keep your family safe, it can also help minimize potential flood damage and accelerate recovery efforts.
- Be Informed- learn what protective measures to take before, during and after an emergency.
- Develop a plan-know your evacuation routes, make sure you have shelter and a plan for communication.
- Prepare a Disaster Kit- complete with all supplies you need to survive; food, water, and first aid items, including a supply of any daily medications.
- Watch Warnings-Watches, warnings, and evacuation notices are science-based predictions that are intended to provide adequate time for evacuation make sure you are aware of what is going on in your area.