Unfortunately, many homeowners do not
find out until it is too late that their homeowner’s insurance policies do not
cover flooding. National Flood Insurance
protects your most valuable assets – your home and your belongings. Owners of homes, condominiums, apartments,
and non-residential structures, including commercial buildings, are able to
purchase insurance through the federally backed National Flood Insurance
Program. Only a select few properties
that lie within a protected area referred to as part of the Coastal Barrier
Resource System are prohibited from purchasing Flood Insurance. Even if you live in an area that is not flood
prone, it is advisable to have Flood Insurance because between 20 and 25
percent of Flood Insurance claims come from outside high flood risk areas.
Flood
Insurance
covers the overflow of inland or tidal waters (including storm surge from
tropical storms and hurricanes), the unusual and rapid accumulation of runoff
or surface water from any source, mudslides caused by flooding that could be
described as a river of liquid and flowing mud, and the collapse or
destabilization of land along a lake or other body of water resulting from wave
action or water currents exceeding normal levels.
Mortgaged properties that are located
in designated flood hazard areas and are covered by federally backed loans are
required to purchase flood insurance. Flood Insurance can be purchased through
many property insurance companies just like regular homeowners insurance. If you need information regarding the flood
zone designation for your area or help in any other preparedness matter, contact
your local Emergency Management office.
For additional information regarding the National Flood Insurance
Program you may access the official website at www.floodsmart.gov.
Remember, flooding is the
most common and widespread of all natural disasters with the exception of
fires. Few people question the necessity
of having insurance that protects their property from loss caused by a
fire. The same consideration should be
given to flood insurance, especially by residents in an area with the natural
characteristics of southwest