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Flood Insurance in Florida

Flood Insurance in Florida

Water, Water Everywhere. Becareful of flood hazard.

In Florida, we are surrounded by water, whether is on a coastal area by the sea, or inland by rivers, lakes and canals, even dams. The fact is that, we encounter water every day and most likely you live close to any type of water reservoir. We love water when because it makes our gardens grow. We love swimming in it or watching it in fountains, waterfalls and oceans, but we love it as long as it stays where it’s supposed to be. That life-giving, cleansing force can be powerful and destructive despite our best efforts to tame or contain it, and flood not always happens from natural causes.

  • Every water-based system or appliance, whether it’s a sink or a dam, will eventually need maintenance or replacement.

  • No building code can guarantee a structure will withstand a relentless barrage of tidal surge.

  • No stormwater drainage system can be endlessly effective when hammered for unprecedented periods of time by unprecedented amounts of rainfall.

“When a flood damage occur, is better to be well prepared and safe, than sorry”, says the President and General Agent of American US Insurance, a Florida Independent Insurance Agency focused on helping customers with all their insurance needs in Miami, Broward and Palm Peach and through the entire state of Florida. 

Cleaning up the mess floodwater leaves behind isn’t cheap. One inch can easily cause $25,000 or more in damage to your home. Depending on the cause of that damage, it may be insurable by your homeowner’s insurance, or it may be covered by flood Insurance, or you may have to pay out of pocket. Flood insurance covers damage claims arising from the overflow of a body of water or the accumulation of surface water due to events like torrential rain, snowmelt, mudflow or storm surge. Flood insurance doesn’t normally cover water damage resulting from a mundane event, like a burst pipe or an overflowing appliance — even though your home may flood dramatically. Some homeowner insurance policies cover common sources of water damage, but others don’t. Be safe and review your policy with your Trusted Choice® Independent Insurance Agent.

No Flood Insurance? Do You Feel Lucky?

Every homeowner should consider purchasing flood insurance. If you wait until you need it, you won’t be able to buy it in time to help you. Flood insurance normally includes a 30-day waiting period between the date of purchase and the date coverage takes effect. Flood insurance is typically provided by the federal government’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) through insurance agents who sell the policies on its behalf. Limits on NFIP insurance policies are capped and may not be enough to fully repair or replace a flood-damaged home and its contents. For this reason, many insurance companies offer special flood policies often called “excess” ,that offer additional dollars to pay for flood claims.

Many of the 12% of U.S. homeowners who now have flood insurance were required to purchase it by their mortgage lender because their home is in a FEMA-defined “flood zone. ”But FEMA also reports that 20% of flood damage occurs outside of designated “flood zones,” and flood maps are often redrawn due to changes in development, weather patterns and stormwater drainage systems. Over the past 10 years, the average flood claim in the United States accounts for more than $45,000, with a total averaging of more than $3.5 billion per year.

It’s in the Forecast

While flooding events are unpredictable, when it comes to flood water itself, there are four universal truths:

  • There’s more of it there than you think.

  • There’s more coming than you think.

  • It’s moving faster than you think.

  • It’s more powerful than you think.

Difference between Flood Warning and Flood Watch issued by the National Weather Service

  • Flash Flood Warning: Take Action! A Flash Flood Warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring. If you are in a flood prone area move immediately to high ground. A flash flood is a sudden violent flood that can take from minutes to hours to develop. It is even possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain.

  • Flood Warning: Take Action! A Flood Warning is issued when the hazardous weather event is imminent or already happening. A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.

  • Flood Watch: Be Prepared: A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for a specific hazardous weather event to occur. A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.

  • Flood Advisory: Be Aware: A Flood Advisory is issued when a specific weather event that is forecast to occur may become a nuisance. A Flood Advisory is issued when flooding is not expected to be bad enough to issue a warning. However, it may cause significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, it could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property.

What to do after a flood

  • Paying attention to your surroundings is very important. Floodwaters often become contaminated with sewage or chemicals. Gas leaks and live power lines can be deadly but are not obvious at first glance.

  • Stay Informed: Stay tuned to your local news for updated information on road conditions. Ensure water is safe to drink, cook or clean with after a flood. Authorities may ask you to boil water for a while after a flood. Utility companies often have apps to update you on getting service back. Carbon monoxide poisoning is one of the leading causes of death after storms when areas are dealing with power outages. Never use a portable generator inside your home or garage.

  • Avoid Flood Waters: Standing water hides many dangers including toxins and chemicals. There may be sharp objects under the water or the road could have collapsed. If it is likely your home will flood, don't wait for evacuation order, get out! Talk to friends and family about emergency visits. If you have pets, take them with you or get them somewhere safe.

  • Avoid Disaster Areas: Do not visit disaster areas. Your presence may hamper rescue and other emergency operations.

  • Heed Road Closed and Cautionary Signs: Road closure and other cautionary signs are put in place for your safety. Pay attention to them!

  • Wait for the All Clear: Do not enter a flood damaged home or building until you're given the All Clear by authorities. If you enter a flood damaged building, be extremely careful. Water can cause walls to collapse, ceilings to fall, etc. Make sure the electrical system has been turned off.

  • Contact the Florida Power Light Company to report any power outages.

  • If you have a generator, follow proper safety procedures.

  • Contact Your Family and Loved Ones: Let your family and close friends know that you’re okay, so they can help spread the word. Register with or search the American Red Cross’s Safe and Well listing.

  • Contact your insurance agent to give you all possible information regarding your policy coverage and claims contact phone numbers. Then call your Florida Flood Insurance Company to report the claim.

Don’t let your eyes or instincts deceive you. Flood water easily destroy things and can kill you. Once you appreciate that, you’re in a good position to protect yourself, your things and your financial well-being the next time water sloshes or rages through your neck of the woods.

If you have any questions about flood, you may talk to one of our licensed insurance agents at American US Insurance, to learn about primary and excess flood insurance for your home and its contents.

Source: www.trustedchoice.com  

              www.weather.gov

             www.fema.gov

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