Flood Insurance Blog | Neptune Flood

Apr 27

Flooding Preparation Before A Storm

By Cordes Owen | Flood Info

You can’t predict a flood, but you can prepare for it. Floods are the worst and costliest natural disaster — more destructive than hurricanes, earthquakes and tornadoes. Climate change is making floods worse by increasing the risk of heavy rainfall.

Ninety percent of all US national disasters are floods. They plague all 50 states, inland and coastal areas, low elevations and high. One in five flood insurance claims come from low-risk zones.

Yet, according to the Insurance Information Institute, only 12 percent of US homeowners have flood insurance. Wherever you live, it’s wise to be prepared for a flood. Here’s what you can do before flooding happens to your home.

Get Insurance

No homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy covers floods, so you’ll have to buy separate flood insurance. This type of insurance protects your home and possessions during a disaster. It’s available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which is overseen by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). You can buy NFIP insurance if you live in one of the program’s participating communities.

The NFIP offers two types of policies. Keep in mind that the policy won’t go into effect until 30 days after purchase. This could spell trouble if a flood happens within that month. If you buy flood insurance from Neptune Flood, you won’t have to worry about when your insurance will kick in — we have a reduced waiting period of only 10 days.

You can get one or both types of insurance:

• Building property coverage. The maximum structural coverage limit is $250,000. It pays out on a replacement cost basis (the cost of repairs in today’s dollars) for a primary residence and actual cash value (the value factoring in depreciation) for a vacation home. Building property coverage can help protect:

— Detached garage used for limited parking or storage. You can use up to 10 percent of your total building flooding insurance coverage for your garage, but that amount will be deducted from your total available building coverage.

— Essential home systems (central air and heating, furnaces, water heaters, sump pumps and solar energy equipment)

— Appliances (refrigerators, ranges, dishwashers, window air conditioners, freezers and the food in them)

— Carpeting and window treatments (permanent carpeting over an unfinished floor, window blinds and curtains)

— Permanently installed paneling, bookcases, wallboards and cabinets. Your policy will only cover the damaged cabinets, so you may have trouble getting new cabinets that match the undamaged ones.

Wouldn’t you like property coverage that’s higher than $250,000? Neptune Flood provides the protection you need for up to $2 million.

• Personal contents coverage. The maximum coverage limit is $100,000. This policy pays out on an actual cash value basis, which takes into account an item’s current, depreciated value. Personal contents coverage helps protect:

— Clothing

— Furniture

— Electronics

— Some portable appliances

— Freezers and the food in them

— Valuables such as art (up to $2,500)

Neptune Flood trumps the NFIP with personal contents coverage up to $500,000.

It also pays to know what’s not covered by flooding insurance:

— Additional expenses, such as temporary housing.

— Property outside of the insured building, such as decks, fences, swimming pools and hot tubs.

— Currency, precious metals and valuable documents such as birth certificates.

— Damage caused by earth movement, even if that movement is caused by flood.

— Vehicles and their parts.

— Moisture, mildew or mold damage that happened due to a property owner’s negligence, not because of the flood.

Things You Can Do RIGHT NOW to Shield Your Home from Potential Flood Damage

First and foremost, make sure to get flood insurance from Neptune Flood. It’ll only take three minutes — or less. You should also consider doing the following to protect your home:

• Leave the basement and lower floors unfinished.

• If you’re doing a new build, use flood-resistant building materials.

Concrete

Concrete is exceptionally strong and rigid. Concrete walls can be covered with stucco or siding. If you want a more industrial, raw look you can leave the concrete exposed. These are the advantages of concrete houses:

1. Concrete can be pummeled and endure extreme weather much better than other houses would.

2. Concrete homes are built to last.

3. Concrete is non-combustible, unlike a wood-framed house.

Steel

Steel-framed houses are built similarly to wood-framed houses. They use stud walls as bearing walls for the house, although the detailing is different. These are the advantages of steel-framing:

1. Steel is non-combustible.

2. Buildings with steel framing, sheeting, roofing and trim can endure intense flooding, heavy rains, earthquakes and strong wind.

3. It’s resistant to corrosion.

4. Steel lacks wood’s porosity, so it doesn’t absorb moisture, weaken or rot.

5. Since steel doesn’t seep or absorb moisture, exterior paint won’t be damaged.

6. Steel doesn’t warp, twist or shrink.

7. If a metal-frame house does suffer flood damage, it can be restored much more easily than a wood-frame house.

There are also other ways you can brace your home against the worst:

• Have a licensed land surveyor conduct a full architectural survey of your property, with topography. Afterwards, see if your land has high areas which could be prime locations for your home.

• If you’re doing a new build, elevate your entire house on columns that are at least six feet high.

• Raise your water heater, washer, dryer, oil tank, furnace and any electrical wiring onto concrete blocks, above the base flood elevation (BFE). If you can’t raise these items, you can protect them with a floodwall or shield.

• Install flood shields or built-up barriers for basement windows and doors. The tops of the shields and barriers should extend above the BFE.

• Keep sewer lines from backing up by installing standpipes or backflow valves. 

• Install a sump pump system if you have below-grade floors.

• Landscape with native plants that resist erosion. Here are some:

Ground covers

1. Autumn sage 

2. Phlox

3. Vinca 

4. Ivy

Shrubs

1. Buckwheat 

2. Sulphur buckwheat

3. Apache plume 

4. Wild lilac

Trees

1. California live oak 

2. Flowering dogwood

3. White alder

4. Lodgepole pine 

Avoid using grass for erosion control. Many varieties of grass can actually worsen erosion, so other groundcovers are a safer choice. Also, avoid highly flammable plants. These include:

— Ornamental juniper 

— Leyland cypress

– Eucalyptus 

— Rosemary

Flood Map

A flood map is a tool that can help you understand, hypothetically, your area’s flood risk. Flood maps are meant to heighten awareness about potential floods in specific regions. They’re user-friendly and accessible at FEMA’s online service center.

Simply type in your entire address, and their system will generate a highly detailed topographical on-screen flood map, along with a precise legend regarding your area’s flood risk. Keep in mind that a flood map is only a guideline, not a predictor. Floods can happen anywhere, but some areas are particularly vulnerable to them.

First Aid Lessons

Floods are life-threatening events with effects so catastrophic that first responders may not immediately reach you. You can provide vital first aid care until they arrive. Red Cross first aid lessons will help prepare you for emergencies when time and knowledge are of the essence.

When you take a course, you’ll get a two-year certification and access to refresher courses. Classes are OSHA-compliant. You can learn:

• First aid

This training includes:

— Burns

— Choking

— Asthma emergencies

— External bleeding

— Poisoning

— Seizure

CPR.

CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) training gives you the skills needed to help during cardiac emergencies that affect: 

— Adults

— Children

— Infants

— Cats and dogs

AED

AED (automated external defibrillator) training.

Most offices and public buildings are equipped with AEDs. Defibrillators are medical devices that analyze the heartbeat and then normalize it by sending an electric shock to the heart.

After you call 911, it will take about eight to 12 minutes for first responders to arrive. In severe conditions, where they may be overwhelmed by emergencies, you’re on the frontline. For every minute defibrillation is delayed, the chance of survival reduces by approximately 10 percent. Classes will teach you how and when to use an AED. 

CPR/AED

First Aid/CPR/AED courses are typically combined so that you can learn these skills in one easy class.

The cost of these courses varies, depending on your location and whether you take the stand-alone courses or the blended ones. They can be taken in person or via the Red Cross’ Simulated Learning, which blends online education with in-person classes.

First Aid Kits

It’s wise to keep a first-aid kit at home, in your car and at work. You can get first aid kits at drugstores or from the Red Cross. You can also put your own first aid kit together. It should at least contain the following 13 items:

• Gauze pads (at least 4 x 4 inches)

• Two large gauze pads

• One gauze roller bandage

• One box of adhesive bandages

• Two triangular bandages

• Wound cleaner

• Scissors

• Tweezers

• Adhesive tape

• Latex gloves

• Resuscitation equipment such as a resuscitation bag

• Two elastic wraps

• One splint

When it comes to floods, preparation can be your best defense. A key part of that preparation is having flood insurance in place. Yet last year, a shocking 85 percent of homeowners didn’t have flooding insurance. Don’t be part of that 85 percent. Now is the time to contact Neptune Flood. We’ll help waterproof your life.

Apr 10

Flooding Insurance: Why You May Need It

By Cordes Owen | Flood Info

When a hurricane watch — or worse, a hurricane warning — has been issued, it’s too late to suddenly realize that you should have gotten flood insurance. Or maybe you thought it was already part of your policy, only to find out, as the storm was bearing down and you were scrabbling through your insurance documents, that it’s not.

According to Lynne McChristian, consultant to the Insurance Information Institute (III), “Most people fail to read their insurance contract to understand what’s covered and what’s not, and then they’re surprised…they didn’t have the coverage.”

At some point, we’ve all waited until the last minute to do something. When it comes to hurricanes, though, the stakes are too high for that kind of gamble. Once a storm watch or warning has been announced, insurance companies don’t permit homeowners to buy new or additional coverage.

Hurricanes have one thing going for them: they have a specific season (June 1 through November 30) so you can have flooding insurance in place long before cyclones develop. Here’s what you need to know about hurricane-related insurance so you can be prepared long before disaster strikes.

Does my homeowners insurance cover flooding?

No. Homeowners insurance never covers floods. You’ll need to have separate flood insurance that covers tropical storms, overflowing rivers and torrential rain. Remember that only one inch of water can cause $25,000 worth of damage to your home. If you procrastinate, you’re playing Russian Roulette. So it’s good to know that Neptune Flood can provide affordable flood coverage backed by the same cutting-edge technology used by NASA and the Federal government. 

Is there a waiting period for flood insurance?

One option for flood insurance is the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which is administered by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). However, this type of insurance has its limitations. It’s only available to residents of participating communities. Neptune’s insurance is available to anyone who has an internet connection.

Additionally, if you buy your flood insurance through the NFIP, coverage won’t start until 30 days from the purchase date. If a hurricane strikes within that 30-day period, your policy won’t cover flood-related damage to your home or possessions. Let’s say flooding starts a day before your policy kicks in – you’ll be in great danger.

However, if you obtain insurance from Neptune Flood, you’ll have full coverage after only 10 days instead of 30. 

Is there another way to get last-minute flood insurance?

Turning to a private insurance company is your best bet for obtaining insurance. Private insurers will assess the risk related to your home based on its location, history and vulnerability. If they decide the risk is too high, they may decline you.

Keep in mind, too, that most insurers stop selling flood policies when there’s a hurricane watch. According to the National Hurricane Center, a hurricane watch is defined as the 36 hours in advance of a potentially fierce storm. It means “watch out.” A warning, on the other hand, is dire — it means the storm is looming and it’s time to evacuate.

Can I get last-minute flood coverage for my car?

Car insurers usually won’t sell or update policies if your location is under a hurricane watch. If a watch hasn’t been issued yet, talk to your agent about adding comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage is insurance that covers incidents other than car accidents. If you’re greenlighted to buy one, there’s no waiting period.

Do I need coverage if I live in a low-risk zone?

Even if you live in an area that has a low risk of a direct hurricane hit, there’s still a chance that you could be assailed by a storm and its accompanying deluge. As a matter of fact, people outside of high-risk areas file more than 25 percent of all flood claims.

Storm surge is also a dangerous offshoot of a hurricane and can pummel seemingly low-risk areas. Storm surge is a tsunami-like torrent of water that’s pushed ashore by a hurricane. It poses a massive flood risk, not only along the shore but inland. To illustrate this, Hurricane Katrina spawned a 28-foot storm surge, flooding 12 miles inland in Mississippi.

When a hurricane makes landfall, it can also release terrifying downpours. When Katrina barreled into New Orleans, not only did apocalyptic floods ensue, but it overwhelmed the city’s levees and drainage canals. Nearly 80 percent of the city was underwater.

I’ve heard of flood maps — what are they?

A flood map is a map of hypothetical floods depicting the chances of floods in your area. The map is divided into zones illustrating the frequency and intensity of floods These maps are not predictors of where water will actually go during a hurricane or how severe floods will be. It’s only a guideline and shouldn’t be depended upon for insurance preparation. 

What does flood insurance protect?

Flood insurance divides your home’s personal property and structural property into two policies that must be purchased separately. Here’s how Neptune’s flood insurance, covering two types of property, eclipses NFIP’s coverage:

• Contents — NFIP offers maximum coverage of $100,000 for personal property (clothing, furniture, beds, etc.), in actual cash value. This means it only covers the cost of replacing damaged or lost contents based solely on their depreciated value. For greater peace of mind, Neptune Flood offers up to $500,000 comprehensive coverage for your home’s contents.

• Home — NFIP tops off coverage at $250,000, which replaces damaged property (foundation, carpet, etc.) with new property, regardless of depreciation, if you’re insuring a single-family, primary residence. Neptune Flood offers higher limits of up to $2,000,000 for the home where you’ve made wonderful memories.

We can also go above and beyond by providing replacement cost, temporary living expenses, basement contents, pool repair/refill and detached structures. And we offer enhanced flood coverage that can save you up to 25 percent on your premium.

What about FEMA assistance?

If you suffer hurricane-related flood damages without insurance, FEMA assistance may sound like a white knight that will come in and save the day. However, it comes with strings attached, so it’s not a quick fix. Federal disaster assistance is only provided when there’s a Presidential Disaster Declaration. President Donald Trump issued disaster declarations for Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria because their damages, including floods, were cataclysmic. 

However, most floods don’t command a declaration. Additionally, if you are unable to attain a FEMA grant, you’ll have a low-interest disaster loan hanging over your head, and you’ll be required to immediately pay back the loan debt you already have on your property.

Did you know that disaster assistance from FEMA won’t return your home to pre-hurricane condition or replace most of your cherished belongings? Also, remember that FEMA evoked scathing criticism during Hurricane Katrina when the agency’s aid was allegedly late or nonexistent.

This may be what you have to look forward to if you don’t have flooding insurance in place in advance. 

Can forecasters predict what type of hurricane will hit?

As with any type of prediction, there’s always room for error. However, AccuWeather forecasters anticipate that the 2019 hurricane season will be near- to above-normal, with 12 to 14 storms. Five to seven of those storms are expected to become hurricanes and two to four are forecast to become major hurricanes (Category Three or greater).

Looking at the 2018 season gives chilling evidence of what actually did happen. The season produced a total of 16 named storms. These included eight hurricanes — a whopping half of the named storms – that were Category Three, Four or Five.

“This year,” says AccuWeather Atlantic hurricane expert Dan Kottlowski, “we think that there will be a few less hurricanes. But again, the old saying is, ‘It only takes one.’ ”

Neptune Flood understands how a hurricane could shatter the life you’ve worked so hard to build. That’s why we encourage you to buy insurance from us far in advance of the hurricane season. Time is of the essence, so contact us today and you’ll be ready for the worst and backed by the best.

Mar 20

Hurricane Preparedness with Neptune Flood

By Brad Schulz | Flood Info

Katrina. Sandy. Irma. When most people hear these names, they don’t think of human beings. They think of three deadly, ferocious hurricanes that ravaged cities, killed hundreds and cost upwards of $1 billion each. Hurricanes pack winds that can top 200 mph and are the fourth worst type of natural disaster. In addition to high winds, they can also spawn tornadoes, heavy rainfall, storm surges, rip currents, landslides, and flooding.

This year’s Atlantic hurricane season is June 1 to November 30. The Pacific’s season is May 15 to November 30. Even if you’re 100 miles inland, you may not be safe. Knowing this, you can prepare in advance for one of these monster storms. By starting preparations early, you’ll avoid the last-minute frenzy at home supply stores and grocery stores.

Neptune Flood insurance, with high coverage limits of up to $500,000 for your home and $200,000 for its contents, is a crucial part of cyclone defense. Please follow these hurricane preparedness steps to keep yourself, your family and your pets safe.

Plan First

No matter how many emergency supplies you stockpile, they won’t make any difference if you don’t know where to go when disaster strikes. You’ll need to:

• Contact a local emergency management agency to learn your hurricane evacuation routes.

• Be prepared to drive at least 50 miles inland. Make sure you have a full tank of gas and that your car is in good working order. Even having new wiper blades is significant in a disaster. Have an extra set of clothing and supplies in your car.

• Practice evacuation drills, and also have an alternate evacuation route. Know where you’ll meet up if you’re separated. Include your pets in these drills, so they’ll acclimate to calmly entering and traveling in their carriers.

• Sign up for wireless emergency alerts.

• Call friends or relatives who are outside the danger zone and ask if you can stay with them.

Secure Your Home and Valuables

The sheer magnitude of a hurricane can easily turn large objects into playthings and flood your home. Neptune Flood, with locations in 25 states, can help in the aftermath of water damage. First, in order to reduce potential water or property damage be sure to:

• Trim tree branches.

• Reinforce your roof, windows, and doors. Garage doors are the most vulnerable.

• Cover windows with permanent storm shutters or 5/8-inch plywood boards.

• Bring in trashcans, lawn furniture, and outdoor decorations.

• Sandbag parts of your home that are susceptible to flooding. If these overflow, Neptune Flood will help you deal with the damages.

• Move your vehicle to a secure area. It only takes one foot of moving water to float a car and two feet to sweep it away.

• Secure electronics such as computers and televisions, and affix bookcases and filing cabinets to wall studs. Anchor objects that would be unsafe to bring indoors, such as gas grills and propane tanks.

• Have a wrench to turn off utilities.

• Assemble important financial, educational, legal and medical documents. Add your Neptune Flood insurance documents to this stash so they’ll be handy for you to refer to after the hurricane subsides. Place them all in a waterproof container. Keep your ID or driver’s license with you, as well.

• Carry cash in case banks and ATMs shut down. Credit cards and debit cards won’t work during a disaster.

Bring Water

It takes time for emergency responders to bring supplies after a hurricane, so it’s essential that you have an adequate water supply. Do not drink tap water, as it may be contaminated.

• A week’s worth of water is ideal. You can store it in plastic bottles (not milk jugs, as they can decompose and not glass, which can break). It can also be kept in pots, pans, jugs, and clean bathtubs.

• At the very least, keep three days’ worth of water — one gallon of water per person per day. This water will also be used for drinking, food prep and sanitation.

• If you live in a hot region and need to perform strenuous actives, you’ll have to double that amount. Nursing mothers, children and people who are ill will also need more.

Food

Although humans can go much longer without food than water, you’ll still need to make sure you have sufficient nourishment during a hurricane. Here are some of the foods to stockpile:

• Food that doesn’t go bad, such as canned food. (Remember to bring a manual can opener or stock up on pop top cans.)

• Canned fruit in juice, not syrup.

• Dried fruits.

• Energy bars.

• Avoid foods that make you thirsty.

Medications

During a hurricane, you won’t have access to your pharmacy, so make sure in advance that you have a week’s worth of:

• Prescription medications. Ask your doctor if you can have an extra supply for an emergency reserve.

• Over-the-counter medications such as pain relievers, antacids, and laxatives.

Babies

Babies normally have special needs, and these escalate during emergencies. Make sure to provide them with:

• Water — Just like adults, babies need one gallon of water a day for five days. In addition to drinking, it will be needed for formula and sanitation.

• Food — Jarred food will keep well. Get five jars a day for five days, and be sure to add fruits and vegetables.

• Formula — Again, you’ll need enough for at least five days.

• Diapers — Babies rapidly go through diapers, so it’s best to get a box of them. Bring boxes of large plastic drawstring bags to dispose of soiled diapers.

• Plastic Bottles — Bring five clean bottles and five nipples.

• Medications

• Clothing — Even under the best circumstances, babies need multiple daily clothing changes. Bring at least six extra outfits in addition to what your baby normally wears in five days. Keep them dry in zipper-close plastic bags.

Pets

Remember to pack supplies for your favorite furbabies as part of your hurricane preparedness. You’ll need to make arrangements before the hurricane makes landfall. Don’t wait until the last minute to do this. If you wait until an actual evacuation, rescue officials may forbid you from taking your pets with you. (If you own larger animals, such as horses or livestock, decide how to transport them.)

• Most evacuation shelters don’t accept pets unless they’re service animals. Some will if you can show proof of vaccination.

• Call hotels in a safe area ahead of time and ask if they accept pets, if they accept them for a fee or if they can lift their no-pets policy during an emergency.

• Keep your pets on leashes or in carriers.

• Pack at least three days’ worth of dry food and pop-top canned food.

• Bring cat litter and medications.

• Your pets should wear tags imprinted with their names and your phone number, as well as their microchip number if they have one. (If not, you may want to consider getting them “chipped” in anticipation of a disaster.)

• Take a selfie or two of you with your pet, and keep them with you in case you get separated. Since many animals look similar, your image will help you and your pet reunite faster.

Clothes and Bedding

You’ll have to take the bare necessities with you, so here are the most important items to bring:

• One change of clothes

• Sturdy shoes such as work boots or hiking boots

• Blankets or sleeping bags

• Rain gear

• Hats and gloves

• Since hurricane season runs until November 30, bring thermal clothes to keep warm if you live in northern regions.

Safety Items

Be sure you can take care of your safety needs by having a:

• Fire extinguisher

• Flashlight or battery-operated lantern and extra batteries

• Duct tape and scissors

• Utility knife

• Battery-operated radio so you receive emergency information

• Battery-operated or solar cell phone charger

• Lighter or matches in a waterproof container

• Whistle on a neck chain. Three whistle-bursts are an internationally recognized distress signal.

• Household liquid bleach and a medicine dropper. When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, this solution can be used as a disinfectant. You can also treat water by using 16 drops of liquid bleach per gallon of water. Iodine tablets will also make your drinking water safe.

First Aid Kit

Without access to medical help, an important part of hurricane preparedness is a first aid kit. The Red Cross suggests that first aid kits for a family of four include:

• 2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)

• 25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)

• 1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)

• 5 antibiotic ointment packets

• 5 antiseptic wipe packets

• 2 hydrocortisone ointment packets

• 1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)

• 5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)

• Oral thermometer

• 2 triangular bandages

• Non-latex gloves

• Tweezers

You can also obtain ready-made first aid kits at drugstores, sporting goods stores, big-box stores or directly from the Red Cross.

Personal Hygiene

These products are convenient to pack and carry and will help tide you over until the cyclone passes:

• Hand sanitizer

• Towelettes and toilet paper. Bring more toilet paper than you think you’ll need.

• Feminine supplies

• Toothpaste and toothbrush

• Plastic bags and ties in lieu of bathrooms

• Disinfectant

Unlike other natural disasters, hurricanes can be anticipated because they have a specific active season. You can take action far in advance to ready yourself for a disaster.

As you’re gathering information and supplies, don’t forget to get technologically-advanced, affordable flood coverage from Neptune Flood. Contact us today and we’ll be there to assist you with one of the most important parts of hurricane preparedness.

Dec 28

Flooding: The Costliest Disaster

By Brad Schulz | Flood Info

Our nation has been slammed by countless natural disasters: the Northridge Earthquake, Hurricane Katrina, the Yosemite National Park Rim Fire of 2013, the Great Appalachian Blizzard of 1950, and many, many more. Each one has been catastrophic, but the costliest disasters are floods. Here’s a look at why floods are the most expensive disasters.

WHAT ARE FLOODS?

Floods are large amounts of water that surge onto normally dry land. These natural disasters are caused by torrential rain, hurricanes, snowmelt or dam breakage, triggering overflowing streams, rivers, oceans, or lakes.

Floods can sweep away cars, bridges, buildings, and people. They can cause contamination by scooping up dirt, sand, debris, garbage, chemicals, and even human and animal waste. Floods can destroy crops and even uproot trees. Flood waters can rise suddenly and ebb quickly (flash floods), or they may take several days, weeks or even months to rise and recede.

THE ECONOMIC DAMAGE OF FLOODS

Ninety percent of all natural disasters in the US are floods. Floods are also the costliest natural disaster. High-risk areas aren’t the only ones that are susceptible to floods. Twenty-five percent of flood insurance claims are filed in moderate to low-risk areas. If you happen to be in that 25 percentile, Neptune Flood will apply our specialized melding of technology, math algorithms, and insurance expertise to help you get back on your feet.

According to a study conducted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), floods in the United States caused about $60.7 billion worth of crop and property damage from 1995 to 2017.

DETAILS ABOUT WHAT CAUSES FLOODS

There are many conditions that produce floods, and their effects are often unpredictable:

• Flash Floods — Flash floods cause the highest number of weather-related deaths. They’re caused when rain falls so fast that the ground cannot absorb it. There is usually precious little time between the rain falling and the flash flood beginning. An epic flash flood engulfed Louisville, Kentucky in 2009 when it was hit by a monumental 8.8 inches of rain per hour. Damages from this pummeling totaled approximately $8.5 million.

• Spring Thaw — When snow in colder regions melts in the springtime, it can wreak havoc if it overflows rivers, streams, and lakes. In 2009, Alaska experienced record-breaking floods coursing from snowmelt and ice jams along its rivers. The state buckled under $7.2 million of damages.

• Heavy Rain and Snowmelt — In 2009, the state of Washington was bludgeoned by an onslaught of rain and snowmelt that caused severe flooding and mudslides. Damages soared to $125 million.

PERSONAL PROPERTY DAMAGES

Personal property can take severe hits from flood damage. Some of these expenses can include:

• Mold — Mold is a fungus that thrives in the moisture that flood waters deposit in your home. Mold can lodge in walls, attics, and basements and can cause allergies and asthma symptoms. Mold removal can cost approximately $2,000 to $6,000, depending upon the severity of the infestation.

• Basement Flood — Damage to your basement from flood hinges upon how much water seeped into your foundation and the extent of the destruction. It may cost $10,000 to repair damage from water that’s only several inches deep, while repairs for a more extensive flood could set you back between $25,000 and $50,000.

ECONOMIC IMPACT ON AGRICULTURE

Hurricane Florence dealt North Carolina a huge economic blow. Graham Boyd, chief executive of the Tobacco Growers Association of North Carolina (TGANC), estimates losses could total as much as 125 million pounds of tobacco valued at $250 million to $350 million. In addition, livestock losses in the state are estimated at 5,500 hogs and 3.4 million poultry. Small farms have also experienced formidable setbacks.

ECONOMIC IMPACT ON EMPLOYEES AND BUSINESSES

When day-to-day business activities are interrupted by a breakdown of communication channels, and by damaged roads, bridges and transportation systems, economic activities grind to a halt. This can cause loss of livelihoods or even ruination of businesses. If these businesses are in a city that is a commercial hub, their destruction could have economic repercussions for the surrounding areas that were unaffected by floods.

HOW DO FLOODS AFFECT YOUR CAR?

If your car was submerged during a flood, it’s probably totaled, and your investment has been washed away. Once water flows through the engine compartment or floods the interior, too many significant parts will be damaged to safely drive your car. You can probably expect the engine, transmission, drive train, brake, fuel, and power steering systems to be ruined.

Flooding is the most common natural disaster and the costliest. Aside from physical ravages, floods can have dire economic consequences. At Neptune Flood, we understand that your finances may have taken a hard hit from flooding. Please contact us so that we can implement our cutting edge technology to provide you with superior coverage that will waterproof your life.

Dec 14

Disaster Preparedness – Emergency Flood Supplies

By Brad Schulz | Flood Info

Benjamin Franklin once wisely said, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” That philosophy is just as relevant today as it was in the 1700s. This can apply to countless things, including disaster preparedness – in particular, flood preparedness.

While it may be hard to predict a flood, you can be prepared for one. If you have the right emergency supplies, your odds of surviving a flood will dramatically improve. Here are the supplies you’ll need to ride out the storm:

WHAT IS A DISASTER SUPPLY KIT?

A disaster supply kit contains basic items that you and your family may need in case of a flood. You must understand that roads will be inaccessible and public transportation will be shut down.

Prepare your flood supplies long before disaster strikes. You may have to evacuate without any notice, and you must be able to quickly and easily take essentials with you.

During or after a flood, you’ll need to have enough food, water, and other supplies to last for at least three days. First responders should arrive after the flood, but they won’t be able to reach everyone right away. You may get help in hours, or you may get help in days.

Basic services such as gas, water, electricity, trash collection, grocery stores, and ATMs could be wiped out for a week or more. Your emergency flood kit should help you hang on.

An important part of preparing for this type of disaster is having flood insurance in place before catastrophe hits. Neptune Flood, providing innovative, budget-friendly flood insurance coverage since 2016, will help you select a policy that can help you recover from flood damage.

HOW SHOULD SUPPLIES BE STORED?

Store all of your emergency flood supplies in airtight plastic bags. Then put everything in easy-to-carry duffel bags or plastic bins.

BASIC EMERGENCY KIT SUPPLIES

At the minimum, you should stock your flood kit with these items:

• Water — At least one gallon per person per day for drinking, as well as sanitation.

• Food — Pack non-perishable foods that don’t require refrigeration, preparation or cooking. You can bring foods such as canned fruits, canned vegetables, and canned meat. You may also want to bring comfort foods with you such as cookies and candy. Remember to stow a manual can opener too.

• Flashlight and extra batteries

• First aid kit

• Moist towelettes and garbage bags with ties for personal sanitation

• Whistle to signal for help

• Cell phone with chargers and backup battery

• Flares

• Blankets or sleeping bags

• Battery-powered emergency radio

• Cash, change and traveler’s checks. You’ll be unable to use debit or credit cards.

• Comfortable shoes

MEDICATIONS AND TOILETRIES

A more extensive emergency kit should also contain:

• Prescription medications

• Aspirin

• Anti-diarrheal medication

• Feminine hygiene products

• Laxative

IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS

You’ll need to take these documents with you so they’re not harmed in the flood and also because they may be difficult to replace after the disaster has passed. Be sure to protect them in a waterproof container:

• Deeds, stocks, bonds, wills, insurance policies

• Bank account numbers, along with credit card numbers and respective companies

• Birth, marriage, death certificates

DON’T FORGET YOUR PET

Remember to pack supplies for your pets’ comfort and safety:

• Medication and veterinary records

• Three to 7 days’ worth of pop-top canned food and dry food

• Food bowls

• Extra collar or harness and extra leash

KEEP YOUR KIT UP TO DATE

Supplies must be carefully maintained so that they are up to date and usable:

• Store items in airtight plastic bags.

• Change your stored water every six months so it stays fresh.

• Replace your stored food every six months.

• Make sure your pets’ dry food isn’t stale or spoiled.

WHERE SHOULD YOU KEEP YOUR KIT?

It’s impossible to know where you’ll be when a flood strikes, so prepare supplies for vehicles, home, and work:

• Home — Have your kit ready and up to date in case you need to leave your house fast. Make sure your whole family knows where it’s stored.

• Work — You may need to shelter at work for more than 24 hours. Your work kit should be filled with food, water, medicines, and comfortable shoes or sneakers.

• Car — Keep emergency supplies in your car in case you’re stranded. In addition to basic emergency supplies, be sure to carry jumper cables, flares or reflective triangles, cat litter or sand for traction, an ice scraper, and a cell phone charger.

Floods don’t announce themselves. They can strike quickly and with a vengeance. If you’re prepared with emergency flood supplies, you’ll have a better chance of riding one out.

A big part of this preparation is flood insurance. Neptune Flood provides affordable flood coverage that pairs innovative technology with insurance ingenuity. Please call us today for more information. The future of flood insurance is here.