Preparing for a Disaster

Preparing for a Disaster or an Emergency Starts with a Plan

September is National Preparedness Month, a time set aside yearly to promote family and community disaster planning. This year’s campaign theme “Prepared, Not Scared,” is a reminder for all Americans to stop and assess their emergency preparedness plan. One step toward being prepared includes having proper insurance coverage. FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) advises home inspectors to talk with clients about protecting their home from flood damage by purchasing a flood insurance policy.

 

Flooding can be an emotionally and financially devastating event. Without flood insurance, most residents have to pay out of pocket or take out loans to repair and replace damaged items. Just one inch of water in an average-sized home can cause more than $25,000 in damage.

 

Most homeowners’ insurance policies do not cover flooding, so buying flood insurance is one of the most important steps homeowners can take to protect their investment before the next unpredictable weather event. It typically takes 30 days for a flood insurance policy to go into effect — don’t wait for the next weather event!

 

In Advance of a Severe Weather Event:

 

  • Protect important documents (such as birth certificates, passports, etc.) by keeping them in a safe, dry place. The Emergency Financial First Aid Kit can help your clients get started.
  • Reduce the risk of damage from flooding by elevating critical utilities, such as electrical panels, switches, sockets, wiring, appliances and heating systems.
  • Clear debris from gutters and downspouts, make sure basements are waterproofed and ensure your sump pump is working.

 

Visit www.FloodSmart.gov to gain additional insights into the benefits of flood insurance and what clients can do to protect themselves from flood damage.

 

Interested in learning more, register for the Emergencies and Disasters: Are You Financially Prepared? webinar taking place on Wednesday, September 4, 2019, 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM EDT, to learn more about preparing for and bouncing back from unexpected events.

 

To find out more about financial preparedness, visit ready.gov/financial-preparedness. Share preparedness activities on social media by using the hashtags #NatlPrep, #PrepareNow, #FloodSmart, and #BeReady on social media.