Floods

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 have 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 your Nationwide insurance agent to make sure you're properly covered if a catastrophe strikes.

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