Flooding may be localized or catastrophic.  It may be part of a hurricane, brutal thunderstorm, sudden thaw or other widespread disaster.  Many floods arrive with advance warning so you can prepare.  Weather forecasts will indicate that storms are on the way or that nearby rivers are rising because of a heavy run-off upstream. Depending on how much time you have, there are steps you can take to minimize damage.

Preparation tips

• Use water-resistant building materials in areas below the base flood elevation.       
• Leave rooms unfinished that are below base flood elevation.       
• Install back-flow valves or standpipes on sewer lines to prevent back-up.       
• Raise, anchor or shield all equipment that is in an area below base flood elevation.       
• Install and maintain a sump pump system.       
• Use native plants and vegetation in your landscape to combat erosion.        
• Become familiar with the emergency flood plan for your area.       

• flashlight and extra batteries, personal hygiene items and any essential items for individual family members.

Safety tips

• Using a battery-powered radio listen for emergency instructions.       
• Turn off the electricity and natural gas at the main valves.       
• Relocate papers, valuables and irreplaceable items to upper floors or higher elevations.       
• Sanitize bathtubs, sinks and plastic bottles with bleach and fill with clean water.       
• Tie down or relocate all outdoor equipment indoors.       
• Respond immediately when instructed to evacuate.       
• If the water starts to rise inside your home before you can leave, retreat to upper floors and if necessary to the roof - take dry clothing, flashlight and battery-powered radio. DON'T try to swim to safety, wait for help to arrive.       
• Don't drive or walk through floodwaters, find an alternate route if you come upon a flooded road.  More people drown in their cars than anywhere else during a flood.       
• When walking, remember that as little as six inches of moving water can knock you down.       
• Watch for downed power lines, since electrocution is a major cause of death during a flood.       
• Be aware that snakes, rodents and other wild animals may seek shelter in your house during a flood.

Recovery tips

• While you’re waiting to hear from the claim representative, you can begin the difficult process of cleaning up.  But, proceed cautiously.  There can be more damage than meets the eye, and moving too quickly may make the situation worse.       
• If your property suffered damage from wind, hail, fire, etc. which may be covered by your Homeowners policy, report the damage at the same time that you report your flood loss.          
• Additionally, if your vehicle was damaged due to perils covered by the comprehensive portion of your auto policy, report that too.       
• The National Flood Insurance Program requires that all payments include your mortgage company as a payee, so verify the name of your current mortgage company with your claim representative.       
• Turn off the electricity and gas if it can be done safely and without walking through water.              
• Watch for snakes, nails and dangerous debris. Do not walk through flowing water, and be aware that steps and floors may be slippery.       
• Cover holes in the roof, walls, or windows with boards, tarp, or plastic sheeting to prevent additional damage.       

• that the ceiling may be ready to fall. Stand clear and force the door open, wait for a few minutes to determine if it's safe to enter.       
• To release water from the ceiling, use a nail on the end of a stick to poke a small hole at the edge of the sag to release the water. Don't poke at the center of the sag since the ceiling could collapse. Repeat this process working toward the center of the sag until all of the water drains.
• Test for water trapped in walls by removing the baseboard and poking small holes in the wallboard about two inches above the floor. If water drains, cut or drill holes large enough for it to flow freely.
• With the power turned off, unplug appliances and lamps. Remove light bulbs, wet switches and outlet plates.
• Drain the basement slowly, using a pump or by hand bailing. If there is still floodwater outside the building, the pressure from the water inside may be preventing the walls from collapsing. Remove two to three feet of water at a time and mark the new water level. If the water does not rise above the mark by the next day, it should be safe to repeat this process until all the water is drained.
• Take photos for your records.
• Remove as much debris and mud as possible.
• Open (do not force) windows, doors, cabinets and drawers to help with the drying process.
• Do not use gas lanterns or open flames, and do not smoke, since there may be explosive gas in the air.
• Wash and disinfect the entire flooded area including air ducts, outlets, wall switches, light sockets, furniture and other contents.
• Make an inventory list of all damaged contents. Keep in mind that not all contents are destroyed by water but may be able to be cleaned and disinfected.
• Remove floor coverings from flooded areas. Keep samples of any carpet/upholstery for your claim adjuster.
• Do not drink the water until it is declared safe. Boil water for drinking and food preparation vigorously for five minutes.

Excess Flood Insurance coverage may be available in some states, if you purchase National Flood Insurance and find you need more coverage than the maximum limit provided by the NFIP program, you may be eligible to purchase additional coverage through an Excess Flood Insurance* from us.

Why do I need flood insurance?

Everyone lives in a flood zone. 

• In recent years, almost 25% of all flood insurance claims came from areas no one considered high risk.[1] 
• You can’t rely on Federal Disaster Assistance alone.