Flood Insurance

Along the east coast, we are approaching hurricane season. Hurricanes pack a triple punch: high winds, drenching rain, and flying debris. They can create havoc to coastal areas with heavy rainfall, which causes flooding sometimes hundreds of miles inland. While all coastal areas are at risk, certain cities are particularly susceptible and could have losses similar to those caused by familiar hurricanes Katrina and Andrew. When hurricanes weaken into tropical storms, they produce rainfall and flooding that can be especially dangerous, since the rain collects in one place. In 2001, Tropical Storm Allison produced more than 30 inches of rainfall in Houston in a matter of days and flooded over 70,000 homes.

Here are a few flood facts that many people do not know:

• Floods are the number 1 natural disaster in the United States.

• In 2007, some flooding occurred in all 50 states.

• New land development can increase flood risk.

• 25% of insurance flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas.

Anywhere it rains, it can flood. A flood, by definition, is a general and temporary condition where two or more acres of usually dry land or two or more properties are inundated by water or mudflow. Floods can happen any time of year, from a wide range of sources. Contributing events are heavy rains, melting snow, poor drainage systems, and hurricanes. However, all floods are not alike. Some floods develop slowly, and some develop very quickly without any visible signs of rain. 

Everyone lives in a flood zone regardless of what the map states. Just because you haven’t experienced a flood in the past, doesn’t mean you won’t in the future. Flood risk isn’t just based on history; it’s also based on a number of factors: rainfall, river-flow and tidal-surge data, topography, flood-control measures, and changes due to building and development.

How can flood insurance protect you? Flood insurance helps to protect you from the financial devastation caused by floods. A few inches of water can cause thousands of dollars worth of damage. Flood insurance can cover both your home’s structure as well its contents. Damage caused by floods is not covered under a standard homeowners policy. Also, there is a 30-day waiting period before a flood policy takes effect, so don’t wait before it’s too late.