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Your Flood Insurance Game Plan: Navigating America’s #1 Natural Disaster with Confidence
Hey there! Let’s talk floods. Yep, that natural disaster that no one wants to think about—until it’s suddenly pouring through your front door. But here’s the thing: as Flood Nerds, we know that while you can’t stop a flood from happening, you can absolutely be prepared for it. And that’s where we come in, your go-to experts in flood insurance who hope you never need it, but want to make sure you’re covered if you do.
Why You Need to Get Serious About Flood Insurance
Imagine waking up to a beautiful sunny day, and by evening, your living room has turned into a swimming pool. Sounds far-fetched? It’s not. Floods can strike anywhere, anytime. And here’s the kicker—flood damage isn’t covered by standard homeowners insurance. Yep, that’s right. Even if you’re not in a “high-risk” zone, Mother Nature doesn’t play by the rules, and neither does water.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “I don’t live near a river, why should I care?” Well, here’s a little-known fact—over the past five years, all 50 states have experienced either a full-blown flood or a flash flood. That’s every single state, from the soggiest bayous to the driest deserts. And get this, nearly 25% of flood insurance claims come from properties outside high-risk flood zones.
So, the real question isn’t whether you can afford flood insurance—it’s whether you can afford to go without it.
Step 1: Lock Down Your Documents and Special Items
Let’s start with the basics. Imagine trying to prove ownership of your home or that prized family heirloom after it’s been swept away in a flood. Nightmare, right? Don’t let it happen. Safeguard your critical financial, medical, educational, and legal documents. Put them in a waterproof bag, back them up electronically, and store copies in the cloud.
Pro tip: Do a quick video walkthrough of your home. Capture every room, every valuable. This isn’t just for insurance purposes—it’s peace of mind. You’ll have proof of what you owned and the condition it was in before the water came crashing in.
Step 2: Build Your Flood-Ready Disaster Kit
When it comes to floods, think of your disaster kit as your lifeline. It’s not just about grabbing a flashlight and a few cans of soup—this is about preparing for the long haul.
Start with the essentials: a three-day supply of non-perishable food and water, medical supplies, tools, and safety items like matches and a whistle. Don’t forget about the kids, the elderly, and anyone with special needs in your household. And yes, your pets count too. Gather food, water, and any necessary medication for them as well.
You don’t want to be scrambling to pack when the water’s rising. Make sure your kit is ready to go at a moment’s notice.
Step 3: Buy Flood Insurance—Seriously, Do It
Here’s the truth bomb: Most homeowner insurance policies will not cover flood loss. But don’t worry, this is where we, the Flood Nerds, come in. We’re your go-to resource for navigating the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), and we do more than just offer one option. We shop both NFIP and private flood insurance options to ensure you get a policy that’s tailored to your specific needs.
Whether you’re looking for basic coverage through the NFIP or something more customized from a private insurer, we’ve got you covered. Our expertise ensures that you’re not just getting any policy—you’re getting the right policy.
And if your home was rebuilt through a state assistance program and is in a floodplain, maintaining flood insurance isn’t just smart—it’s mandatory. You’ll need it to qualify for future government help if the worst happens. We’ll make sure you’re covered, no matter what.
Step 4: Flood-Proof Your Home Like a Pro
When it comes to floods, think of your disaster kit as your lifeline. It’s not just about grabbing a flashlight and a few cans of soup—this is about preparing for the long haul.
Start with the essentials: a three-day supply of non-perishable food and water, medical supplies, tools, and safety items like matches and a whistle. Don’t forget about the kids, the elderly, and anyone with special needs in your household. And yes, your pets count too. Gather food, water, and any necessary medication for them as well.
You don’t want to be scrambling to pack when the water’s rising. Make sure your kit is ready to go at a moment’s notice.So you’ve got your flood insurance—great! But what about minimizing the damage before it even starts? Let’s talk flood-proofing.
First off, shut off the main circuit breaker before the flood hits. Trust us, you don’t want to be dealing with short-circuits or the risk of electrocution on top of everything else.
Next, keep those gutters and drains free of debris. Water needs a way out, and blocked gutters are a recipe for disaster. Consider installing a water alarm and sump pumps with battery backup to give yourself an extra layer of protection. And if you really want to get serious, install check valves in your sewer lines to prevent floodwater from backing up into your drains.
Finally, stockpile emergency protective materials like plywood, plastic sheeting, and sandbags. These might sound old-school, but when the water’s rising, you’ll be glad you have them.
And hey, if you live in an area that’s seen more than its fair share of floods, consider elevating your home. It’s a big step, but one that could save you a lot of heartache—and money—in the long run.
Step 5: Develop a Family Evacuation Plan
If you’re separated, where will you meet up? Where will you stay if your home is suddenly uninhabitable? And what about your pets? These are the tough questions you need to answer now, not later.
Pack a “go bag” with essentials you’ll need to take with you if you evacuate. Keep it light, easy to carry, and somewhere you can grab it quickly. Include things like personal documents, medications, and a change of clothes.
Know your evacuation routes. Check with local authorities or the Texas Department of Transportation for the best routes out of your area. And, in case you need to hunker down somewhere else, have a list of emergency shelters handy.
Lastly, communicate your plans with friends or family outside of your home area. They need to know where you are and what your plan is.
After the Flood: What Now?
So, the floodwaters have receded, and you’re ready to return home. Hold up—there’s still danger lurking.
First, make sure local authorities have given the all-clear. Floodwaters can erode roads and walkways, leaving behind debris, snakes, and even electrical hazards. If you’re driving, avoid flooded areas—those waters could still be hiding serious road damage.
And when you do get back home, take photos of everything. Document the damage thoroughly for insurance purposes. This isn’t the time to cut corners—get every angle, every inch of damage recorded.
Next, take some time to review your insurance policy before the adjuster arrives. Understand the basics of what’s covered and what’s not, so you can have an informed discussion with the adjuster. Remember, the adjuster is there to report the damage to the underwriter, who will ultimately decide what is covered under your policy. It’s important to know that the adjuster is not the final authority—the underwriter, who pays the claim, has the final say.
The sooner you start this process, the sooner you can begin to rebuil.
Why Waiting Is the Biggest Mistake You Can Make
Here’s the bottom line: Don’t wait for a flood to occur. Get your flood insurance in place now. At Better Flood Insurance, we make it easy, affordable, and tailored to your needs. And remember, just an inch of water can cause $125,000 worth of damage. That’s a hefty price to pay for not being prepared.
We’re here to help you protect your biggest investment—your home. So, let’s get you covered, give you peace of mind, and ensure that if the waters rise, you’re ready.
After all, we’re the Flood Nerds. We hope you never need us, but we’re here to make sure you’re protected if you do.
