If the US President declares an emergency in the United States, chances are it is a flood.
Floods can happen just about anywhere. You don’t have to be in “the flood zone” for your property to be at risk. Whether it is a massive hurricane, severe thunderstorms, melting snow or just your common April shower, a flood can strike any time. Let’s explore the uncertainty that comes with this peril.
What is a flood, techincally?
According to the National Flood Insurance Program, a flood is “a general and temporary condition of partial or complete inudation of two or more acres of normally dry land area or of two or more properties from: overflow of inland or tidal waves; unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source; mudflow; or, collapse or subsidence of land along the shore of a lake or similar body of water as a result of erosion or undermining caused by waves or currents of water exceeding anticipated cyclical levels that result in a flood as defined above.”
There are further definitions included for words or phrases in that definition. The point that most of us will skip over that is most likely to effect us is “rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source.”
The Boss knew, it is easy to become “Lost In The Flood“
I grew up in Lawton, and I’ve lived in Oklahoma all my life. Certain parts of Lawton have seen their fair share of flooding, while other areas have stayed above the tide. But things happen. Flash flooding in one part of town can take unusual routes causing water to find its way into your home. Believe me, any amount of flood water that comes inside is way too much.
According to FEMA, even one inch of flood water inside a home can easily cause over $20,000 in damage. And here is the kicker…
In the Spring of 2009 I awoke in my college apartment in Edmond, Oklahoma. I was on the first floor of this building and never even considered water coming into the apartment. The weather forecast was not different than any other rainy day. But when I awoke for classes the next morning, the carpet beneath my feet went “squish”, and I knew it was going to be a bad day.
Ryan Smith’s flood experience
FLOOD DAMAGE IS NOT COVERED BY HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE POLICIES
Was that loud enough for those of you in the back? It’s true. It’s vitally true. It can be cripplingly true if you find out after the damage has occured.
There may be a couple of exceptions, but the large majority of home insurance policies do not cover flood. Flood insurance is separate and is not often required by mortgage companies. Some properties are within the zone on a flood map that mortgage companies care about. But just because your property is not in that zone doesn’t mean a flood won’t happen.
There are more options than the National Flood Insurance Program. There are private insurance companies that offer coverage with different underwriting practices. Whatever your specific situation, it will be worth your time to find out what your options are for protecting your property from flood damage.
We would love to discuss this topic with you one-on-one. And now is not too late!