Archive for the ‘Flood’ Category

What to do Before a Flood

Monday, August 16th, 2010

Being in the middle of hurricane season, we thought we would give you  some tips to help you prepare for a flood;

  • Avoid building in areas prone to flooding. If you do build, make sure you elevate and reinforce your home or business. Check your local ordinances as to the base elevation, and how much higher you need to be to reduce your flood premium.
  • Always elevate all mechanical items such as furnace, A/C, water heater, and electric panel if your building is prone to flooding, as this is often overlooked.
  • Install one way “check valves” in your sewer traps (may be required by code). This will prevent floodwaters from backing up into the drains of your home.
  • Contact your local community officials to find out if they are planning to construct any levees, beams, or floodwalls to stop floodwater from entering the homes in your area. This may also affect your flood rates, and your exposure to floods.
  • If you have a basement or have a home that is off-grade, seal the walls with waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage.
  • Check FEMA for other helpful information http://www.fema.gov
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Why Flood Insurance?

Thursday, May 6th, 2010

Did you know that…..
  • Your homeowner’s insurance DOES NOT cover flood damage?
  • Flood insurance is not just for homeowners?  Condominium flood insurance coverage is available and highly recommended.  A condominium flood policy will cover your contents and assessments by your Association for flood damage to your complex.
  • Flooding can cause as much damage as  a hurricane? With the Atlantic Hurricane Season starting June 01, the time is now to purchase a flood policy for your home or condo.  The government mandates a 30-day wait for the policy to take effect.
  • Flooding accounts for more than 90% of all property damage caused by natural disasters?
  • Flooding comes in many forms, not just from hurricanes or tropical storms?  Flash flooding can occur from strong storm cells; persistent rain (not necessarily heavy rain); as well as rising waters from lakes, rivers, canals and other rural waterways.  Remember, in September 2009, 17 Georgia counties were declared “Federal Disaster Areas” due to flood, in June 2009 Michigan suffered overwhelming flooding, and most recently, the 20+ inches of rain that deluged the State of Tennessee.  Flooding can happen anywhere, anytime!
  • You can get flood coverage starting for as little as $119.00 per year?  A very small price to pay for peace of mind.
  • Without flood insurance, the only assistance you may qualify for in the event of a flood disaster is Federal Disaster Assistance which will most likely come in the form of a loan that must be repaid WITH INTEREST?  Only Federal flood insurance reimburses you for flood damage to your property!
  • Since 1978, in Charlotte County ALONE, $9,992,903.76 has been paid out in flood claims? http://bsa.nfipstat.com/reports/1040.htm
In addition to purchasing flood insurance, we strongly recommend that you and your family prepare for hurricane season and the risk of flooding by having a hurricane and flood evacuation plan, which would include:
  • Keeping all important documents together in a safe, waterproof location.
  • Itemize and take photos of your possessions.
  • Keep emergency cash on hand in a secure place.
  • Flashlight, radio and other communications equipment with new batteries for each.
  • Emergency survival supplies including canned goods, can opener, other nonperishable food items, and at least one gallon of fresh, clean water per person, per day.
We encourage you to visit the following sites to help prepare you and your family for the risk of flooding: http://www.ready.gov/ and http://www.flash.org/
Amberg Insurance considers it a privilege to help you protect your assets.  Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can assist you with this, or any of your insurance needs.  As always, we very much appreciate and thank you for your business!
In Your Service As “Your All Lines Agency” SINCE 1974

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