| |
|
|
Flood Disaster Tips
Did you
know...
-
Floods and flash floods are the most common natural disaster,
occurring in all 50 states.
-
Floods cause devastating damage to buildings and personal
belongings.
-
One
in three flood insurance claims are generated outside areas
considered "flood-prone."
-
Homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage.
Before a
flood:
-
Make
a written, photographic and/or videotaped inventory of household
possessions and property, and store it in a safe place (e.g. a
relative's home or safe deposit box) with insurance policies,
documents and other valuables.
-
Take
a first aid class from your local American Red Cross chapter.
-
Assemble a disaster supplies kit that includes a first aid kit,
canned food, non-electric can opener; bottled water (emergency
managers recommend 3 gallons per person), rubber boots, rubber
gloves, battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries.
-
Identify evacuation locations.
During a
flood:
-
When
a warning is issued, listen to local radio and TV
stations for information.
-
When
a watch is issued, move furniture and valuables to higher
floors of your home.
-
Abandon your car if stalled in rapidly rising waters and climb
to higher ground. Do not drive into any large puddles or into
water that seems to be moving rapidly.
After a
flood:
-
Call
your insurance agent as soon as possible to see if you need to
file a claim.
-
Make
temporary repairs to prevent further damage. Keep all
receipts.
-
Delay
permanent repairs until your insurer approves
reimbursement.
-
Get
any necessary construction permits from your community.
-
Prepare an inventory of all damaged or destroyed personal
property. Take photos of damaged areas.
-
Save
remnants of damaged or destroyed property for your insurance
company adjuster.
-
Meet
with your adjuster before signing anything with contractors,
lawyers or public adjuster.
-
Let
your car dry out before trying to start it.
Protecting yourself is easy!
Flood
insurance picks up where your homeowners insurance leaves off. It is
not expensive, especially when compared with the monthly payments
for disaster loans, and it's easy to get - just call your insurance
agent.
What to
ask your insurance agent?
-
Do I
have flood insurance?
-
How
much flood insurance should I purchase?
-
How
much contents coverage should I purchase?
-
Should I consider a three-year policy to reduce my premiums?
-
Do I
qualify for a preferred risk policy?
-
Can I
finance my premiums?
|
|
|
|
|
