Your home is 3 times more likely to be flooded than catch on fire. Are you properly insured?

When you review your monthly budget you may be putting money aside for items such as groceries, rent, clothing, and your gym membership, but have you ever listed flood damage on your budget? According to a spring 2010 edition of the Western Pennsylvania AAA Motorist magazine, flooding is the most prevalent natural disaster and you are 3 times more likely to be affected by flooding then fire. We certainly hear about the floods that reach the magnitude of the horrible May 2010 disaster in Nashville, but flooding comes in all sorts of intensities.

Flood damage is not part of normal insurances and everyone is at some level of risk of financial loss due to flood damage. You can be the most financially conservative person, but one flash flood could severely harm you financially speaking. The average flood damage claim is $33,000.00. Most people will not have that much money set aside, even before a natural disaster hits. Also, nearly all disaster relief money is considered a loan and must be paid back to the issuing authority. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and quickly recover and a flooding disaster.

Here are facts found from FEMA's and the CDC's websites:

In addition to the financial aspects that need consideration, the threat of flooding also requires that you be knowledgeable on how to lessen the impact of this type of disaster on you and your household.

What should you do before a flood occurs?
-Remember that planning for the financial consequences of a flood should happen long before flooding occurs; not afterwards.
-Talk to your insurance agent and clearly understand what is and is not covered in your renter’s or homeowner’s policy in regard to all natural disasters including flooding, mud slides, rock slides, mold removal, and sewage backups.
-Find the answer to this question on www.FloodSmart.gov – what is the flood risk assessment for your home?
-Know where to go for temporary safety and shelter.
-Are your very important personal documents protected off site or in a fire and flood proof box? After a disaster you will want to be able to quickly prove things like identity, insurance and medical coverages, and property ownership.
-If your electronic devices are lost, is your valuable data safely backed up digitally?
-Keep instructions and contact information for applying for emergency assistance and insurance claims in a flood and fire proof place.

What should you do during a flood?
-Secure your, and your family’s, personal safety. Get to higher ground and away from moving water.
-Use every opportunity to dry your feet, body, and belongings. “Trench foot” is a common and potentially debilitating condition resulting from long periods of standing in water.
-Moving water is extremely dangerous. You can be swept off your feet with only 6 inches of moving water on the ground.
-Standing water is also dangerous. It could be electrically charged, carrying infectious diseases, or hiding harmful objects. Protect open wounds and your mouth.
-When was the last time you had a tetanus shot? Moving water will bring debris that can scrape, cut, and puncture your skin / flesh.

What to do after the flood.
-Ensure personal hygiene and attend to wounds.
-Initiate your insurance claim and seek out disaster relief as needed.
-If your property is salvageable it must be thoroughly sanitized.
-Removing mold and moisture is a priority.
-When cleaning do not mix bleach and ammonia – the fumes could kill you.

In addition to finding many insights on dealing with flooding, you can apply for flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program at www.FloodSmart.gov.