Tips for Preventing Storm-Related Flood Damage to Your Home

SALT LAKE CITY (PRWEB) October 08, 2020

In the midst of what is looking to be the most active hurricane season in U.S. history, digital flood insurance agency FloodPrice.com is sharing storm preparedness tips for homeowners. Major storms are not just a threat to coastal communities -- homeowners everywhere need to prepare.

In addition to the residual effects of hurricanes, weather events and disasters ranging from thunderstorms to dam failures have troubled communities far from the coasts with heavy rainfall, damaging winds and floods. All communities need to practice storm preparedness as the U.S. continues to wade through hurricane season and beyond.

Below are several tips for homeowners to prepare for storms with predicted flooding:

• Get weather updates from a reliable source. Do not depend on social media posts for weather updates. Turn to the National Weather Service or local news stations for timely, accurate and local information.
• Secure the property. Close doors, windows and garage doors. Bring inside or secure patio furniture, toys and decorations. These items can become projectiles in high winds or be lost in floods. Take photos to document the contents of the home, which will assist with insurance claims handling. Store important documents, like birth certificates, in watertight containers.
• Prepare for possible evacuation. In coastal areas, watch for hurricane evacuation orders. It is important to know the property's evacuation zone, which can be found on state and/or county government websites. Put together a bag with the essentials: important documents, medications, face masks, assistive devices, cell phone chargers, etc.
• Plan on having limited access to services. Even if a storm is not severe enough to warrant evacuation, flooding, downed trees and other obstructions can make it difficult to get to the grocery store or pharmacy for several days. Plan to have enough medications, as well as non-perishable food items and water.
• Review insurance policies. Homeowners insurance may cover some wind-related storm damage, but typically does not cover damage due to flooding. Some auto insurance policies have coverage for flood damage to vehicles. Homeowners should review policies so they understand which policy covers what. Homeowners should also store their insurance agent's number in their phone and/or bookmark the website their insurer uses for claims reporting.

If the home is flooded, it is important to act quickly to limit the damage. Take photos and notes to document damages; these can be used in a flood insurance claim. Standing water and residual moisture can lead to mold and structural damage. If and when it is safe to do so, unplug and remove electronics. Remove any standing water as soon as possible, as well as debris and any household items that are soaked but salvageable. Finally, try to dry out the home -- run fans and dehumidifiers. Homeowners should take photos during cleanup and document what they have done. They can then share with their insurer the steps they have taken to prevent further damage.

About FloodPrice.com
FloodPrice.com is a flood insurance agency created to address the need for consumer access to private flood insurance as an alternative to the National Flood Insurance Program. The FloodPrice.com online platform offers home and business owners a simple, convenient, cost-effective online solution for purchasing private flood insurance. FloodPrice.com is administered by INX Insurance Services, LLC, a pioneer in using technology to deliver insurance consumer solutions. Follow FloodPrice.com on social media for updates and useful tips: LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.

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