Flooding is not a strange occurrence if you live in New York. But if your home has never been flooded, you may never know how damaging it can be.
What are the impacts of flooding on your home? And how can you protect your home and family if it happens? Find out below!
What kind of damage can flooding do to my home?
Floodwater can cause a lot of damage to your house in many ways:
The strong force of floodwater can crack foundations, weaken walls, and make floors buckle. Even a minor flood can cause problems that get worse over time.
Floodwater can ruin furniture, appliances, electronics, and personal items. It can also warp wood, damage fabric, cause rust, and cause electrical problems in devices.
Mold loves damp places, and floodwater creates the perfect conditions for mold growth. Mold can be harmful to health and may require the help of a professional to remove.
Floodwater can be mixed with sewage, bacteria, and other harmful substances. This dirty water can damage your plumbing and be a health risk if ingested.
What should I do after flooding happens?
If your home gets flooded, here are the first steps you should follow:
Turn off the electricity at the main switch to avoid electrical shocks
Move things off the floor and run your fans and humidifier
Find out where the shut-off valves are for your water and gas lines, and turn them off to prevent further damage.
Store essential items on higher floors or raised platforms to keep them safe from floodwater. This includes things like important documents, electronics, and valuables.
Discard all food or medicine exposed to the floodwaters
Does homeowners insurance cover flooding?
Unfortunately, regular homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. You need to buy a separate flood insurance policy for that. If you live in an area at high risk for flooding, it is essential to get flood insurance.
This extra insurance can protect you from the costs of repairing and rebuilding after a flood. Without it, you could end up paying a lot of money out of pocket if your home gets damaged by floodwaters.
What is flood insurance, and what does it cover?
Flood insurance covers you in the event of damage from prolonged or heavy rain, melting snow, or other similar events. With it, you get unique coverage that your regular home or business insurance package won’t cover.
Some of the things that it covers include:
Your property and its foundation
Electrical and plumbing systems
Air conditioning equipment, furnaces and heaters
Home appliances, e.g., clothes washers and dryers, refrigerators and stoves.
Personal possessions, such as clothing, furniture, and electronic equipment.
Get protection against water damage with flood insurance
Flooding can be traumatic if you’re not prepared. But by knowing the risks and taking the right action, you can recover faster.
To learn more about how to prepare for floods and get the help you need, contact us today. Our experienced agents can help you understand your flood risk and find the right flood insurance policy to protect your home and belongings.