Although the full force of a hurricane or severe tornado might be a remote possibility, severe thunderstorms are not uncommon and flooding is a reasonable threat here in Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania and surrounding areas. These storms often produce flooding; and with the stormy season now upon us, we must take precautions. Do you know what to do when a severe storm is forecast?

When severe storms do occur, you first concern is to protect yourself and your family. But you must also protect your home, especially if flooding threatens.  Long before that storm occurs, it’s important that you have the right insurance coverage.  You should know that flooding is typically not covered by your homeowners policy.  Instead, you will need a separate flood insurance policy. Remember: Flood insurance requires a waiting period before it becomes active. So waiting until the water starts to rise before seeking flood insurance means that your largest investment – your home – will not be protected.  

Before flooding strikes, consider the following steps so that you avoid costly mistakes and protect your loved ones.

Prepare Your Family For Possible Evacuation

Create an emergency evacuation plan if you have not done so already, and then practice it. This should include designating safe evacuation routes to higher ground from your children’s schools and your workplaces as well as from your home. Don’t overlook provisions for your pets in your plan. Be sure everyone knows emergency phone numbers and the contact information for a designated friend or relative who lives out of the area and who agrees to be your family contact in the event of disaster. 

Gather Insurance Policies and Important Documents

Gather contact information for your insurance agent, your insurance policies, financial records, family medical records, records of major purchases such as vehicles, home, etc. Create a home inventory with detailed descriptions of your belongings, including photos and/or videos. Then, put your documents and inventories in a safe deposit box or store them at home in a fireproof, waterproof sealed container. Above all, be sure that all family members know where they are stored.

Get More Details:

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  • Visit FloodSmart, an online resource for consumers provided by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for much more information, checklists, questions/answers, flood insurance details and much more. 
  • Visit Know Your Stuff (a feature of the Insurance Information Institute) for everything you'll need to create your detailed home inventory.

Here in Crofton, MD, at the Craig Mader Insurance Agency, our experienced agents know about flood insurance and we know your community whether you live in Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, West Virginia or Washington, DC.  Discuss your flood insurance questions with us. We look forward to having you contact us at your convenience.