Navigating Flood Risks — Preparation Tips You Need to Know

Flooding in recent years has been alarmingly costly. In 2023 alone, severe storms and flooding caused over $58.4 billion in damages across the United States, marking it as a record-breaking year for disaster costs.

What steps can you take to protect your home and property from this potential risk? It’s essential to become knowledgeable about flood preparation before you find yourself in water’s way.

Step 1. Know your area—are you in a high flood risk zone?

Knowing your area and flood risk is a critical step of flood preparation. Take time to ask yourself what flooding you may be susceptible to. Consider events such as:

• Coastal flooding

• Flash floods

• Heavy rainfall

• Wildfire aftermath

• Spring thaws

• Hurricanes

You may find you’re not in a traditional high-risk flood zone. But keep in mind, people outside of high-risk flood areas file more than 25% of NFIP claims and receive one-third of disaster assistance for flooding.

If you’re unsure of the weather patterns you may face, FEMA has an interactive floodplain map to help you better understand your risk.

Griffin Owens Insurance Agency serves customers throughout Virginia and can help you assess your specific flood risk and insurance needs.

Step 2. Floodproof your physical belongings.

Physical floodproofing comes in different shapes and sizes. Some methods require more effort, time, and money than others, and not all are feasible for everyone. However, any amount of floodproofing is better than none.

Here are some ways you can minimize property damage before flooding ever happens:

• Store valuables and important documents high up in water-resistant containers.

• Replace carpeting with tile.

• Seal basement walls with waterproofing compounds.

• Seal cracks and gaps in your home’s exterior.

• Direct water away from your home by keeping gutters clean and ensuring water collects away from the building.

For more tips, check out FEMA’s brochure on protecting your home and property from flooding.

Step 3. Create a financial safety net with flood insurance.

Though flooding is a common and severe risk, it is usually excluded from standard homeowners and renters insurance policies. Flood insurance is available as a separate policy from the National Flood Insurance Program. It is available for homeowners and renters, and it can help pay for physical damage caused by flooding from natural disasters, such as heavy rainfall, melting snow, and coastal storm surges. This can include:

• Building Coverage: Structural damage to your home or building, including foundation, walls, floors, and electrical and plumbing systems.

• Contents Coverage: Damage to your personal belongings, such as furniture, appliances, clothing, and electronics.

Coverage specifics can vary, so it’s essential to review your policy details and speak with your insurance provider for precise information tailored to your needs.

Griffin Owens Insurance Agency focuses on flood insurance for Virginia residents and can help you find the right coverage to protect your home and belongings.

For more detailed information about flood insurance, visit:

• FEMA’s Overview of Flood Insurance

• National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Coverage Details

Don’t wait to speak with your agent—most flood insurance takes 30 days to go into effect.

Step 4. Keep your safety plan up-to-date.

Last but certainly not least, keep your safety plan up to date and organized. If you don’t have a safety plan, this is a great time to put one together. You can quickly self-assess your safety plan by asking yourself the following questions:

• How will your family stay in touch during a flood? Get back in touch after?

• Do you have small emergency supply kits in all the areas you frequent? (Places like your car, home, workplace, etc.)

• Are you signed up for local flood alerts and warnings?

• Do you know what your local evacuation routes are?

To find resources for creating and implementing effective safety plans, visit www.ready.gov/floods.

Contact Griffin Owens Insurance Agency to learn more about flood insurance options in Virginia and how you can better protect your home from flood risks.