Are You At Risk for Flood Damage? Here's How To Prepare

5/11/2022 (Permalink)

Steps To Prevent Flood Damage In Your Home

As a homeowner in Loveland, CO, you have a crucial role to play in preventing flood risk. Many people are not aware that most homeowners' insurance policies do not cover damage from floods. Because of this, you must take preventative steps to prevent flood damage in your home and ensure you have adequate insurance coverage, such as a FEMA NFIP policy.

What Does a Homeowners' Insurance Policy Cover?

A typical home insurance policy covers water damage if it is sudden and accidental. Examples include:

• A pipe bursts, soaking and warping your wood floor.
  
• Your water heater breaks and sprays the surrounding drywall with water.
  
• During a thunderstorm, a limb falls on your roof, tearing a hole and letting rain in the house.
  
  

However, you need separate insurance for flooding damage. Home insurance does not cover an overflowing sewer drain on your property, a swollen riverbank, and poorly maintained pipes that corrode and leak.

Should You Get FEMA NFIP Flood Insurance?
You can check a flood map on FEMA's website to determine if you live in an area at high risk of flooding. If you do, it's a good idea to take out a flood insurance policy.
The FEMA National Flood Insurance Program is a federally-backed flood insurance program. It is available through private insurers to communities and states that enforce and adopt flood-plain management regulations. Call your agent to learn more or visit the FEMA website.

How Can You Prevent Flood Damage?
Some steps FEMA recommends to protect your home include:

• Raising it above the base flood elevation
  
• Installing a sump pump
  
• Sealing your basement walls
  
• Using flood-resistant drywall and insulation
  
• Installing flood vents in enclosed places, such as garages and foundation walls
  
  

Sometimes, even the best preparation doesn't prevent damage. If you experience a flood, you can call a professional restoration company to help with remediation.
Flooding can do a lot of damage, but fortunately, you have ways to deal with it. Consult your insurance agent about obtaining a FEMA NFIP policy to protect your home.