EDISON BLOG

As many Floridians know, floods are a common natural disaster to occur in our state. In fact, they are the most common natural disasters in the United States. With Florida being at an increased risk of experiencing flood damages, it is pivotal you and your family take steps to prepare yourselves and your property for flood events.  

5 Tips for Creating Your Flood Evacuation Plan 

Taking steps to create an evacuation plan for you and your family is a must when it comes to a flood event. Keeping your family safe and calm during a disaster should be your top priority. As such, we would like to provide these 5 tips for creating your evacuation plan:  

1. Sign up to receive local weather alerts to be aware of a flood event could occur in the near future.  

2. Gather supplies should you need to leave quickly. Be sure to consider each family member’s specific needs such as special foods/drinks or medication.  

3. Be sure each member of your family is aware of all the exits in your home and where they need to go should you need to evacuate.  

4. Floodwaters pose severe dangers, so it is important your evacuation plans include multiple ways to evacuate.  

5. Be sure to review your plan with all members of your family frequently.  

Protecting your Belongings and Property  

It is recommended you take steps to secure your possessions and protect your property. Doing so can significantly reduce damages and expenses afterward. Before a possible flood event, elevate, or bring valuables, electronics, rugs, and furniture to a second floor if you can. Store smaller valuables and important documents in a sealed, waterproof container. If time permits, place sandbags around your home to divert moving water.  

Planning Ahead: What to Do After A Flood  

Due to the severe danger floodwaters can cause, it is important you also plan ahead for the aftermath of a flood event. Floodwaters can contain dangerous debris, wildlife, and can be contaminated. It is also important to be aware of the risk of electrocution as downed of underground powerlines could electrically charge flood water. Nobody should walk or drive through flooded areas, as just a few inches floodwater could knock you down or have a driver lose control of their vehicle. Be sure you and your family listen to authorities and only return home when it is safe to do so. Remember, once you have safely arrived home, take time to survey your property and take pictures of damages to present to your insurance company should you need to file a claim.  

Consider Purchasing Flood Insurance  

One aspect of being prepared is to make sure you are also financially protected. As we have seen in recent years, floods can cause significant damage and costly destruction. Should you fall victim to a flood event, you want to make sure you have insurance coverage to not have to face the financial burden of repairing your home or replacing your belongings. Obtaining flood insurance will keep you afloat and return to normalcy as quickly as possible. Flood protection is not typically covered under your standard homeowners insurance policy, you would need to obtain flood insurance through the NFIP or a private carrier such as Edison Insurance Company. We offer flood coverage to qualifying policyholders eliminating the need for a standalone policy. To learn more about obtaining flood coverage from Edison, speak to your agent or call us at 866-568-8922 

Flooding has become an increasing risk over the past few years, especially in Florida. Floods can occur at any time and anywhere, making them the most common and most costly disaster in the United States. Experiencing losses due to flooding can not only devastating but extremely costly should you not be covered. It is important you understand your risk of a flood and take precautions to protect your home, your possessions and your family.

What Causes Floods?

Floods can be caused for many reasons including storm surge caused by a hurricane or tropical storm, river, lake, dam or other water system overflow, or even just heavy rainfall. Floods can develop slowly or quite rapidly depending on the type and can come with little to no warning. What is your risk for flooding in Florida? Flooding is a frequent hazard in Florida and is a threat to communities from coast to coast. Florida’s coastal location, relatively flat terrain and low elevation puts the state at an increased risk of experiencing floods. Not to mention, and as we have seen over the past years, Hurricanes are frequent to Florida and bring heavy rains and storm surge.

The Cost of Flood Damage

FloodSmart estimates just one inch of floodwater can cause roughly $25,000 in damages to your home and your possessions. You do not need to live in a high-risk flood zone to experience flood damage either. More than 20 percent of all reported flood claims come from homes located outside of high-risk flood zones. Not only is flood damage extremely costly, but it also can cause quite a headache and frustration while homeowners must wait for repairs. Now with an understanding of the risks and the damage and costs of flooding can cause, let’s make sure you consider obtaining flood insurance coverage to avoid the costs and frustrations flooding can cause.

Obtaining Flood Insurance

As a homeowner in Florida, you more than likely need flood insurance to provide coverage for your home and possessions. If your home is located in a high-risk area and you have a mortgage, your lender will most likely require you to have flood insurance. However, those who live in moderate to low-risk areas may be surprised to learn flood damage is not covered under your standard home, condo, or renter’s insurance policy. Flood insurance must be purchased through private carriers, like Edison Insurance Company or through the NFIP. Edison’s flood endorsement allows eligible policyholders to secure flood insurance coverage up to a selected amount, eliminating the need for a standalone flood policy. Most standard flood policies provide coverage up to $250,000 for your home, and up to $100,000 for your contents/personal belongings. However, Edison’s Flood endorsement exceeds the limits of a standard flood policy providing up to $2,000,000 for your home and up to $1,000,000 for your personal belongings.

With hurricane season quickly approaching, you definitely do not want to wait until it is too late to obtain flood coverage to be sure your home and possessions are covered. To learn more about obtaining flood insurance with Edison Insurance Company, speak with your agent, or give us a call at 866-568-8922.