Flooding is the most common natural disaster in the U.S., causing the most property damage and tragically, the highest number of lives lost from a natural hazard. Floods can happen in any part of the country and at any time of the yearāand the threat is not confined to low-lying areas known as floodplains. Urban areas have been flooded when drainage systems are overwhelmed during and after strong storms, proving that you donāt even have to live near a river to experience a flood.
Making your home less vulnerable to flooding is a good idea, no matter where you live.
How can I be notified about a flood in my area?
In addition to monitoring local news, you can also learn about flooding in your area by subscribing to a local electronic notification system such as Nixle. You can also check the National Weather Serviceās Flood Information Map, which is interactive so you can learn what types of floods are most common in your state. Coastal flooding and river flooding are two common types of floods, but flooding can also occur as a result of rapid snowmelt, or in areas that experienced widespread destruction after a forest fire.
New construction areas can also be prone to flooding, when vegetation is cleared and water runoff patterns change.
What is the difference between a flood watch and a flood warning?
The difference between a watch and a warning is the proximity of the threat. In a watch, weather conditions are such that a flood is possible. With a warning, flooding is imminentāit has started to flood in areas already.
A viral post from the Fire Department in Normal, Illinois made the rounds for its visual depiction of a tornado watch versus a warning by using tacos as an example. The ātaco watchā picture contains all of the elements to make a taco, while the ātaco warningā picture shows a fully assembled taco, ready to eat. The same logic holds true for floods. A watch means the conditions are present, while a warning means flooding is happening.
Tips to protect your home from a flood
Flooding is defined as a temporary overflow of water on land that is typically dry. While being in what is known as a flood plain increases your risk, flooding can happen just about anywhere that water can rise quickly.
The most important thing you can do to protect your home is to get flood insurance. As the most common disaster in the U.S., the risk is high, and because flooding can cause widespread damage across large areas, most homeowners insurance policies specifically exclude damage caused by flood waters.
This means that youāll need to purchase separate flood insurance, either from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which is run by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), or from a private flood insurance company. Although the NFIP has provided most of the flood insurance in the country for years, private insurance companies are entering the market.
Be aware that many flood insurance policies have a waiting period before they go into effect, so if you are thinking of purchasing flood insurance, you should apply well before you need it.
Having a sump pump is an excellent idea, and can help to address minor flooding. If your sump pump is powered by electricity, check into battery backup systems, especially if you do not have a backup generator. A storm that knocks out power will render a sump pump ineffective unless thereās an alternative power supply.
Emergency supplies to have on hand
To be prepared for a flood, have a standard emergency kit to have on hand that contains shelf-stable food, bottled water for every member of the family (including pets, if you have them), flashlights and batteries, and any necessary medications. Critical documents should be kept in a watertight container. Be aware that power outages during floods are a risk, so charge phones and consider buying backup batteries to keep them working, particularly if you are relying on your phone for emergency notifications.
If you are asked to evacuate, you might be away from your home for some time. Floods can take time to recede, and your home may not be safe to reenter. If you have pets, plan for their evacuation as well. Have important documents ready to go, and leave while it is still safe to do so.
How to prep your home before a flood
Preparation before a flood can go a long way in making cleanup easier after flood waters recede.
To prepare for a flood in your home, make sure that whatever systems you have in place to remove water are clear so that they can operate as designed. This includes making certain that gutters and downspouts are clear of all debris, and that storm drains and drainage ditches are clear. Remove as much snow and ice from around the foundation of your home as possibleāflood water can rapidly melt this, aggravating any existing water problems.
Inside the house, elevate any appliances if at all possible, particularly those in basements or on lower floors. Concrete blocks are useful for this purpose, if you have access to them and can safely lift appliances. Move valuables to higher floors. Carefully disconnect utilities if you have the time to do so.
Sandbags and other temporary flood barriers are also a good idea, and for homes at risk, purchasing an inflatable dam system might make financial sense.
Safety precautions
Flooding is a leading cause of death in natural disasters. Donāt make the mistake of underestimating how dangerous water can beāmoving water that is just six inches deep has enough force to knock an adult down, and water a foot deep can sweep away a car. Floodwater can also contain chemical contaminants, hide sharp objects that can cut you, and carry disease-causing bacteria when sewer systems are overwhelmed and untreated waste escapes.
Do not wade or swim in floodwater, and do not try and drive across moving water.
Floodwaters can also make it hard to determine if thereās a live electrical wire nearby. Water conducts electricity, making this a real danger.
As noted above, getting to higher ground before flood waters rise is an immediate safety concern. Pay attention to evacuation notices, and heed instructions from emergency personnel and officials.
Can I get a quote for disaster insurance?
Contact the team at Rate Insurance to learn more about insurance products that can help to protect your belongings from floodwaters. Remember, standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover damage caused by flooding, so securing additional coverage is a must. The experts at Guaranteed Rate Insurance will work with you to make sure you are prepared in the event that flooding damages your home.
