Flood Insurance BasicsWhile your homeowner's insurance coverage will provide protection for many unfortunate situations, it will not provide any coverage in case of a flood. Only a specific flood insurance policy can provide protection in case of rising water. Even if you do not think that you live in an area that will make you vulnerable to a flood, you should still invest in a flood insurance policy.Flood insurance has a 30-day waiting period before the coverage will kick in, which means there is no better time than now to invest in a policy. If you are waiting for the first spring storm to invest in a policy, you may be left unprotected if a flood happens.To ensure that your home is as safe as possible during a flood, keep these flood preparation tips in mind.
- When building or renovating your home, use water resistant building materials to help prevent damage that is caused by rising water levels.
- Leave any lower floors of your home (such as the floors in your basement) unfinished so that they will not be damaged in a flood.
- Install backflow valves or standpipes to help prevent sewer lines from backing up during a flood.
- Raise the level of your washer and dryer, oil fuel tank, water heater, furnace, or any electrical wiring above the flood line in your house. If you cannot raise these items to the right level, consider building a shield or floodwall around the items.
- Install flood shields or barriers against all basement windows and doors. The top of the barrier should be extended above the flood level.
For all of your flood insurance coverage needs,
contact the insurance professionals at Humble & Davenport Insurance in Renton, Washington. We will work with you to ensure that you have the protection that you deserve.