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Parts of the Midwest have experienced record flooding in the spring of 2019, caused by rains and the melting of massive amounts of snow that fell in the winter.
And as the weather becomes more unpredictable, many areas throughout the country are experiencing flooding with increasing regularity. Moreover, some regions are flooding for the first time in recorded history. Floods are the leading weather-related cause of property damage. After Hurricane Sandy, the National Flood Insurance Program paid out well over $6 billion in claims. It is important to take these steps to prevent flood damage. Use flood maps These maps are drawn up and updated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. They show the locations of flood zones and flood plains, and flood zone risks ranging from high to low. If unsure about the classification of a specific address, ask us. As part of FEMA's modernization program, most communities are receiving new maps with more details and helpful recommendations. Since flood zones may have changed, it is important that you look at the newest versions of these maps. Learn base flood elevation When property owners know their flood zone, they should also learn their property's base flood elevation (or BFE). This is the point where a building has a 1% chance of flooding each year. FEMA's newer maps typically list the BFE for different properties. If new maps are not available yet, your local building department may be able to help. When the BFE is known, it is important to determine the elevation of the first floor of the home. Is it below or above the property's BFE? Raising a structure with a main floor below the BFE helps reduce flood risks. This type of floor plan is typical with some split-level homes and buildings. Purchase flood insurance When you understand the full risk of flooding for your property, you can decide whether you should purchase flood insurance for complete protection. Obviously, if you live in or near a high-risk flood zone, you should purchase coverage. Sometimes you don't have a choice about buying coverage. Most lenders will require homeowners in flood zones to purchase insurance if they want to qualify for a home loan. Flood insurance is mainly available through the National Flood Insurance Program, although there are some private insurers that offer coverage in selected areas. To learn more about your options and how to enroll in coverage, call us. Reduce risks on your property There are several steps to take to reduce risks on the property:
To learn more about flood safety and preparedness, call us.
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