Minimizing Danger and Damage
During a Flood

Floods are now the number one weather-related killer in the United States and cause billions of dollars worth of damage each year. Regardless of whether the flood is caused from spring rain, melting snow, or flash flooding, it still has the same devastating effects. Following are tips to ensure the safety of your family and help minimize property damage caused by flooding.

• Review your insurance coverage with your independent agent. There are several misconceptions about floods, and people often mistakenly think their property policy covers flood losses.
• Make a video or photo record of your indoor and outdoor property. Include furnishings, electronics, clothes, and valuables. Also gather any receipts for major purchases. This will help an insurance adjuster when filing a claim.
• Create an emergency file of documents and information you will need if your home is flooded. Include your video or photo records, insurance policies, identification, and emergency cash. Store this information in a safe, easy-to-access, flood-proof place.
• Stock up on emergency supplies and store in a safe, flood-proof place. Include items such as nonperishable food, bottled water, battery-operated radio, flashlight, kitchenware, toiletries, first aid kit, cleaning supplies and disinfectants.
• Secure or store outdoor items that might come loose and float or blow away, such as patio furniture, outdoor utensils, garbage cans, and garden tools.
• If a flood threatens, flood-proof your home. Move valuable or irreplaceable items to high shelves. Purchase and place sandbags. Clean your bathtub and fill it with clean water for washing.
• Fill your car with gas and be prepared to follow evacuation orders immediately. If evacuation occurs, gather needed items such as clothing, sleeping bags, medication, toiletries, and baby supplies. Also include your emergency file of documents and information.
• If flooding occurs, stay away from the water and don’t let children near them. Flood water can carry snakes, insects and contamination.
• Don’t walk through moving water. Only six inches of swift water can knock you off your feet. If you must walk, wear boots or sturdy shoes and look for water that is not moving.
• Avoid driving through flooded areas. Two feet of moving water can sweep a car away.

  If you’re not sure your policy protects your property from flood damage, call your independent insurance agent today.

  Source: Bankers Insurance Group