Are You Prepared for a Flood?

March is the time of year when we talk about severe weather.  That can mean hail, tornadoes, and even floods. This has been an especially wet winter in the Northwest, so the danger of flooding is still high.

A little flooding in a home can cause thousands of dollars in damage. The majority of flood insurance claims come from areas that are considered to be low to moderate risk. Whether you live in a low-risk flood zone as determined by the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), or if you are in a high-risk area and coverage is being required by your mortgage lender, having a flood insurance policy is prudent for anyone that occupies a residence.

Also, it's important to keep in mind that you'll face a delay between getting flood insurance and when it becomes effective! FEMA and NFIP require a 30-day waiting period before coverage becomes effective, but we can provide coverage that becomes effective in only 15 days. That still means there is a delay before your policy is in effect, so don't wait too long!

Flood safety is extremely important. That’s why it’s a good idea to review these basic flood safety tips, provided by Ready.gov, with your children every year. 

If a flood is likely in your area, you should:

• Listen to the radio or television for regular updates and information.

• Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.

• Be aware of stream, drainage channels, canyons and other areas known to flood suddenly.

• Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without typical warnings such as rain clouds or heavy rain.

If you need to evacuate: 

Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.

If you have to leave your home, remember these evacuation tips:

• Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
• Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground, when water is not moivng or not more than a few inches deep. You and the vehicle can be swept away quickly.  If your vehicle is trapped in rapidly moving water, stay in the vehicle. If the water is rising inside the vehicle, seek refuge on the roof.
• Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams, rivers or creeks, particularly during threatening conditions.

With a little bit of preparation, you can keep your family safe!  Review these tips for flood safety and contact SAV-ON Insurance at 888-867-2866 if you have questions about flood insurance coverage, but don't wait until the last minute. Then it will be too late!