Flooding
Did you know that even an inch of water can cause significant
financial loss? Spring is a time when many areas see flooding
due to melting snow and rain. However, a flood can happen
any time of the year. The advice below does not include all
preparations that should be considered, but these preparations
may reduce the financial loss should a flood occur. Here are
some suggestions that can help prevent a catastrophe.
Check to see if your home, business and auto
policies cover flood damage. Most policies exclude
flood damage
Raise appliances, water heaters and furnaces on
floors that are likely to flood
Move items kept in the basement or first floor to
higher floors or on racks
Move snow back a few feet from the home or
business as this may reduce the amount of water that
could potentially melt and come into the building
Create an evacuation plan with family members
Business owners may choose to secure fuel tanks and chemicals
to help prevent them from being damaged and spilling into flood
waters. To prevent common sewer back-up during flooding,
backflow valves can be installed to block pipes according to the
Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS).
A common misconception about flood insurance is that you must
live in specific high-risk flood areas to be eligible to purchase
flood insurance. This is not true; if your city, town or village
participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
you can purchase flood insurance. For more information on the
National Flood Insurance Program, visit www.floodsmart.gov.
Windstorms and Tornados
Windstorm and tornado outbreaks become more prevalent
during the spring in most U.S. cities. Windstorm is usually a
covered peril on property policies, but this should be verified.
There are many things home and business owners can do to
prepare for a windstorm or tornado.
In states that have snow, home and business owners
can check the roof and building’s structure to make
sure it has not weakened due to weight of ice and
snow.
Families and businesses should come up with an
emergency plan should a windstorm or tornado
occur. This may help to ensure that employees and
family members are as safe as possible.
Assemble an emergency kit. Items to consider
when making a disaster or emergency kit are non-
perishable food, bottled water, medication and
medical equipment that are needed daily, flashlights,
batteries, candles and matches or a lighter, battery
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