Floods are among the most common and costly natural disasters in the United States. Flooding from heavy rain or overflowing waterways can cause severe damage, even outside designated flood zones. So it’s important to understand your risk and prepare your property.
Know Your Risk
Use these tools to help assess how vulnerable your home may be:
- FEMA flood maps: Search your address at msc.fema.gov.
- National Centers for Environmental Information: Find historic flood event data, extreme weather patterns by region and rainfall records at ncei.noaa.gov.
- USGS WaterWatch and Streamgage Dashboard: Search current and historical streamflow data to help provide information about river flood risk at waterwatch.usgs.gov.
Protect Your Property
Take these practical steps to help reduce the impact of rising water:
- Install a sump pump with battery backup.
- Seal foundation cracks and basement walls.
- Re-grade soil to slope away from the home.
- Add flood vents to crawlspaces or basements.
- Install sewer backflow valves.
- Store valuables and essential documents on upper levels.
Be Ready to Act
Planning helps protect your family and speeds up recovery:
- Create a household evacuation plan.
- Pack a flood emergency kit that includes water, food, a flashlight, batteries, first aid, medications and important documents.
- Sign up for local emergency and weather alerts.
- Learn how to shut off utilities (gas, water, electricity).
Check Your Insurance
Standard homeowners’ insurance does not cover flood damage. Your agent may recommend the following options:
- NFIP flood policies are available through FEMA at floodsmart.gov.
- Private flood coverage may offer higher limits or quicker activation.
- Sewer/sump endorsements may offer limited coverage for overflow or pump failure.
Review Your Homeowners Insurance
Understanding your protection now can save time, money and stress later.
Contact the Flood Insurance experts at Deeley to review your current homeowners’ insurance policy. Ask about your home’s flood risk, available flood insurance options and whether your coverage includes sewer or sump pump-related water damage. Email us at BeSure@deeleyinsurance.com today.
Note: For hurricanes or coastal flooding guidance, consult FEMA or your local emergency management office.
