As we face a barrage of spring thunderstorms and head into tropical storm season, you can’t just cross your fingers and hope that your house won’t be impacted by floods and power outages. Flash floods cause millions of dollars of damage every year.
Many homeowners, while not in direct flood plains, find themselves flooded by groundwater. Some homes lose power easily, then face some serious damage when sump pumps fail and freezers thaw. Don’t wait for rain drops to start falling on your head. Make your plans now.
When buying a home, you need to know if you are living in a flood plain. Flood maps will guide you as to your level of risk. Flood insurance rates are based on your risk. Many homeowners assume their home has flood coverage through a standard insurance policy. Flood insurance is not part of a standard homeowner’s policy plus there is a 30-day waiting period before flood policies can go into effect. Go towww.floodsmart.gov for details on risk assessment, your rights and tips on flood prevention and recovery.
Your home may not qualify for flood insurance, but what if power knocks out your sump pump and excess ground water fills your basement? You may wish to consider two things: an insurance rider on your policy to cover water damages if the sump pump fails and a back-up battery system for the sump pump. The back-up kit runs about $150 with a separate battery for a $100. The batteries do only last seven to nine hours. Owning a second battery is a smart move to keep the juices flowing. Some basic to intermediate plumbing skills are needed to set up one of these systems. Don’t think you can throw this together in an hour or so as water seeps in. You may decide to skip the DIY route here and hire a pro. Sticker shock! This installed system may cost you $350 to $500, but it sure beats a flooded basement.
Gas-powered generators are becoming a more-popular purchase. For roughly $600 to $1,200, purchasing a generator may seem like a expensive route but if you lose power often or for many hours at a time, you could lose hundreds of dollars in food from your fridge and freezer. Plus, with a generator, you can power up the lights, phones and radios. You never have to be completely in the dark!
When it comes to storm preparation and recovery from damages:
- Understand your rights
- Understand your insurance policy
- Take pictures of damages
- Seek restoration help quickly
Wise homeowners think ahead, plan for the unknown possibilities and spend wisely to protect their investments. Be a wise guy or gal!
