Flood Insurance

In California, chances are your lender may not require you to get specific flood insurance for your home. But there is a very good reason it is still offered in our area: homeowners end up needing it all the time. Yes, even here.

Fact: Floods are the number one natural disaster in all 50 states, according to FEMA. That includes California.

Especially in recent seasons, after a fire has struck. If we get any precipitation the ground acts like a concrete conduit, sending water rushing down the hills towards our homes. Even miles away, homes can be flooded as roads collect water to form a fast-rushing stream.

Even a flood that leaves just a few inches of muddy water on your house floors will costs thousands of dollars to clean and it will cost even more to replace the valuable furniture.

Here’s the catch: your standard homeowners insurance policy generally does not protect you from flood-related costs. FEMA assistance is also very rarely awarded and needs Presidential approval in order to be invoked. That’s why it’s so important you protect yourself with the appropriate Flood Insurance policy today.


Flood Disaster Preparedness

Before a Flood

  • Prepare an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
  • Avoid building in floodplains unless structure is elevated and reinforced.
  • Elevate the furnace, water heater and electric panel.
  • Consider installing “check valves” to prevent floodwater backups.
  • Construct barriers to stop floodwater from entering the building and seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds.

Driving Tips

  • Six inches of water will stall or cause control issues in most passenger vehicles.
  • A foot of water will float many passenger vehicles.
  • Two feet of rushing water can carry away most passenger vehicles including SUV’s and pick-ups.
  • Never attempt to drive through a flooded road, depth is not always obvious and the roadbed may be washed away under the surface.
  • Do not drive around barricades.
  • Do not try to take short cuts and stick to designated evacuation routes.
  • Avoid driving at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.