Morrow Insurance and Professional Services

FLOOD INSURANCE

Flood Insurance Coverage

Floods damage more homes than any other natural disaster in the U.S. They cause more than $2 billion in property damage every year.

A flood can happen to anyone: more than 20 percent of all flood insurance claims come from outside high-risk areas. What are you going to do when normal homeowners insurance doesn't cover damage caused by a flood, and federal disaster assistance is only offered when the president declares a major disaster (which happens in only 50 percent of flooding situations)?

Unfortunately, many people don't consider this question until it's too late.

Your home, your castle

There are more than 19,000 communities across the country that has joined the National Flood Insurance Program. You can buy flood insurance in any of these 19,000 communities, except when the property is located in a Coastal Barrier Resource Systems area.

The first step to identifying what coverage you would need is identifying your Base Flood Elevation, or BFE. This is the expected flooding level in your area.

Consult your local building authority for the BFE in your area. Also check building department records or your property survey for the elevation of your home's lowest floor. This is the lowest enclosed area in your home, including any area, your basement, for instance, that is below ground level on all sides. If you're unable to determine the lowest floor elevation, hire a licensed surveyor to do it.

If you live in an 'A' zone

If your home is in an "A" zone and the lowest floor is below the BFE, the best way to protect it against flood damage is to elevate your entire house so the lowest floor is at or above the BFE.

You can also take the following measures to avoid flood damage in an "A" zone:

Use water-resistant building materials in areas below BFE.
Leave the basement or lower floors unfinished if they're below BFE.
Prevent sewer lines from backing up by installing backflow valves or standpipes.
Raise your washer and dryer and other equipment such as the water heater, oil tanks, furnace and electrical wiring on concrete blocks, above the BFE. If you're unable to raise a particular item, consider anchoring it and protecting it with a floodwall or shield.
Install flood shields or built-up barriers for basement windows and doors. The tops of shields and barriers should extend above the BFE.
Install and maintain a sump pump system if you have below-grade floors.
Landscape with native plants and vegetation that resist soil erosion.

If you live in a 'V' zone

Homes in "V" zones are threatened not only by rising water, but by wave action as well. The best answer here is relocating your home.

If relocation isn't an option, consider elevating your house on piles or piers; however, your new building plans must meet your community's requirements. Be sure to have an architect or engineer evaluate your elevation plans.

Act quickly, but don't panic

When the water begins to rise, being calm will help to save your property and your family. Remember that the most important thing is to keep your family safe; however, if you have time to protect your belongings, here are some steps to take:

Turn off utilities at the main power switch.
Move valuables such as important papers, jewelry and clothing to upper floors - or, if you only have one floor, put items on the top of shelves, tables or countertops.
Fill bathtubs, sinks, and bottles with fresh, clean water (sanitize the tubs and sinks first).

As the floodwaters continue to rise, remember that the water is much stronger than you think:

Don't drive through a flood. If you're unfortunate enough to be in your car when a flood occurs, abandon the car and move to higher ground. Six inches of water can cause loss of control and possible stalling, and a foot of water can float many vehicles.
Don't walk through flood areas. Just 6 inches of water can sweep you away.
Stay away from downed power lines.
Evacuate your house or move to upper floors if waters rise inside your home, and take your emergency kit with you.

After officials have given the sign that you can return home, follow these tips: Before entering a building, check for structural damage.

Don't use matches or a lighter when entering buildings.
Listen for reports to see when drinking water is safe again.
Keep power off until an electrician has inspected your system.
Report your claim to your insurance agent or company as soon as possible.
Cleanup should begin as soon as waters recede: separate damaged from undamaged items, begin making a list of damaged property, and clean and disinfect everything that got wet.

This information is meant to help you make decisions that may reduce your risk. Of course, we can't note every possible risk, and we can't guarantee that these tips will work for you. However, we hope that if you use some of them, you'll better protect your family and yourself.

Contact the Morrow Insurance Agency to make sure you're properly covered if a catastrophe strikes.

What's Happening Where You Are?

Early warning and prompt action are your best bets in the event of a natural catastrophe. A weather radio, a personal and family disaster plan, and an emergency kit can help keep you safe and protect your personal property.

Although Morrow Insurance Agency can't replace your treasured items, we can help you to know when disasters are approaching your area by referring to the National Weather Service website: www.nws.noaa.gov

Have a Disaster Plan

The best way to protect yourself and your family is to be prepared. Take these steps to ensure their safety:

Install safety features such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers in your home.
Become familiar with your community's severe weather warning system and make certain everyone in your family knows what to do.
Become familiar with your community's disaster preparedness plans and create a family one. Practice this plan every six months to make sure that everyone knows what to do.
Identify escape routes from your home and neighborhood, and designate an emergency meeting place for your family to reunite if you separate. Remember that in large disasters, major roads could be blocked or destroyed.
Make certain all adult and teenage members of the family know where your gas, electric and water main shut off controls are and how to turn them off if there's a leak or electrical short. Keep necessary wrenches close by.
Learn about your workplace's disaster safety plans and the plans at your children's schools or day care centers.
Establish a contact point to communicate with concerned relatives.
Develop a detailed list of your possessions now because many of them could be destroyed during a loss.

Go through your house room-by-room
Note the quantities and values of each item, serial numbers, and purchase dates
Take photos or videos of your things to help document them
The Insurance Information Institute and knowyourstuff.org both offer software to help you keep track of your items

Put together an emergency kit

Your Emergency Kit

Having an emergency kit for times of disaster will help you keep your family safe. Keep this kit around and accessible at all times.

Items to include:

A three-day supply of drinking water and food you don't have to refrigerate or cook
Emergency cooking equipment
First aid supplies
A portable NOAA weather radio
A wrench and other basic tools
A flashlight
Work gloves
Sanitation supplies such as toilet paper, soap, garbage bags and disinfectant
Portable lanterns
Fresh batteries for each piece of equipment
Clothing
Blankets
Baby items
Prescription medications
Extra car and house keys
Extra eyeglasses
Credit cards and cash
Important documents, including insurance policies, in a waterproof container