
No home is completely safe from a flood and unfortunately, most home insurance policies don't cover flooding. According to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), 32% of NFIP flood claims come from outside high-flood risk areas. Heavy rainfall and flooding can overwhelm drainage systems, causing water to seep into homes and cause extensive damage to floors, walls, and personal belongings. According to Floridadisaster.org, just one inch of water can cause more than $25,000 in damage!
Flood insurance is available to everyone: homeowners, condo owners, business owners, and renters. Flood insurance be purchased at anytime, however waiting until a storm is threatening your home is too late as many policies take up to 30 days to go into effect. Start shopping now, if you haven't already.
Other ways you can protect yourself and property include:
- Know Your Hazard. Visit FEMA's Flood Map Service center at msc.fema.gov/portal/search and enter your address to identify your flood zone.
- Know Your Zone. Use resources like Florida Disaster's "Know Your Zone", to determine if you're property is in an evacuation zone or low-lying, flood prone area.
- Elevate Utilities. Raise electrical outlets, switches, HVAC systems and other utilities above the flood level to prevent water damage.
- Seal Openings. Seal all openings in the foundation, walls, and doors with waterproof sealants, caulking and weather strips to prevent water intrusion.
- Landscape Improvements. Modify landscaping to redirect surface water away from the foundation such as grading the soil, installing swales or French drains, and using permeable paving materials.
- Keep Gutters Clear. Ensure gutters and storm drains are free of debris to allow water to flow away from your home.
- Build Responsibly. Don't develop in floodplains. Though federal and state laws may allow construction in floodplains if the structure is raised above the base flood elevation, there can still be problems. When floodplains are filled or paved over, they are no longer able to absorb water.
For information on your flood hazard and flood zone, visit our new GIS Flood Map Service Page. Additional information on flooding, its impacts and property insurance can also be found at https://www.nassaucountyfl.com/627/Flood-Information.
-Sabrina Robertson
Communications Officer