Heavy rain across Florida this summer has resulted in flooding in certain areas. “Flooding is easily the most common and expensive disaster within the U.S.,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of Insurance, Florida's largest independent homeowners insurance agency.
There are several ways to minimize flood damage to your home having to break the bank.
Check
your landscaping
Routinely keep clean and maintain gutters, downspouts and
splashpads so rainwater flows away from your home.
Clear debris from your drainage ditches and storm drains.
Connect a rain barrel for your gutter downspouts to gather
runoff in the roof.
Seal
Foundation Cracks
Close any foundation cracks with mortar and masonry caulk or
hydraulic cement, which expands and fills gaps completely.
Elevate
your Possessions
If you've got a second floor or attic, moving your belongings to
higher ground will protect them.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends raising and anchoring service equipment and appliances for example air conditioning units, water heaters, heat pumps and water meters at least one foot over the highest known flood level for your area.
Prevent
Sewer Backups
Sewer or septic line check valves allow waste to flow just one
way. Employ a licensed plumber to install them and plan to spend $100 or more per
valve unless, you can do it yourself. This can prevent floodwater and
wastewater from copying into your home through toilets, sinks along with other
drains. Like a last resort, use stoppers or plugs to close-up showers, tubs and
sinks.
Buy flood
insurance.
Flooding is not covered under your standard homeowners insurance policy.
“Just 1 inch water can cause more than $25,000 worth of harm to your home,” says Ellsworth Buck, V . p . of Insurance, Florida's largest independent homeowners insurance agency.
20 percent of claims come from places in which the flood risk is
considered low.
To keep the family safe throughout a disaster, the American Red Cross also recommends having an evacuation plan set, along with supplies before bad weather is headed the right path.
While the next measures can help reduce potential flood damage, they cannot eliminate all flood risks. Flood insurance is part of the mitigation strategy. Insurance currently provides flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance plan. Visit our website today.
