Did you know that just four inches of flooding can cause at least $15,000 in damage? It’s true—and depending on what’s damaged, the cost could be much higher, with some losses being priceless.
Floods can happen in an instant, and unfortunately, there’s no way to stop your home from flooding during a storm. The only way to guarantee financial protection is to have flood insurance. Flood insurance covers the cost to repair or replace what’s damaged by flooding.
In recent years, hurricanes have been getting closer and stronger in Maryland. After storms like Isabel, Irene, and Sandy, it’s clear we’re at risk for another major storm. If your home is destroyed in a hurricane, and you don’t have flood insurance, chances are your damages won’t be covered.
Many people think wind is the main cause of hurricane damage. While wind does its share, flooding is often what destroys homes. The force of rapid water can be overwhelming, and water damage is difficult—if not impossible—to fix, often requiring the home to be torn down.
Homeowner’s insurance doesn’t cover flood damage, so without flood insurance, you could be stuck paying for a new home out of pocket. Keep in mind that flood insurance has a 30-day waiting period, so you can’t purchase it right before a storm and expect to be covered.
Flood insurance is the only way to ensure your home is fully protected. Hurricanes can reach us in just days—make sure you’re prepared today! If you have any questions, contact us. We’re here to help.
BEFORE A FLOOD
- Flood Disaster Preparedness: Prepare an emergency kit and make a family communications plan. (Click Here)
- Avoid building in floodplains unless structure is elevated and reinforced.
- Elevate the furnace, water heater, and electric panel.
- Consider installing “check valves” to prevent floodwater back ups.
- Construct barriers to stop floodwater from entering the building and seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds.
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DRIVING TIPS
- Six inches of water will stall or cause control issues in most passenger vehicles.
- A foot of water will float many passenger vehicles.
- Two feet of rushing water can carry away most passenger vehicles including SUV’s and pick-ups.
- Never attempt to drive through a flooded road; depth is not always obvious and the roadbed may be washed away under the surface.
- Do not drive around barricades.
- Do not try to take short cuts and stick to designated evacuation routes.
- Avoid driving at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.
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Maryland’s landscape is rich with waterways, including the Chesapeake Bay, Atlantic Ocean, Potomac River, and countless rivers, creeks, and streams that feed into the Bay. Sometimes, it doesn’t take a natural disaster—just a regular afternoon thunderstorm—to cause flooding in our area.
Even if you live miles away from a body of water, you’re not entirely safe. Did you know that 25% of all flood insurance claims come from areas outside designated flood zones? Floods can impact anyone in Maryland at any time.
If you have questions about flood protection, contact us today. We’re here to help you stay prepared.