Throughout the winter season and into spring, snowmelt will present significant flood danger to countless homes and businesses across the country. There are many factors were snowmelt occurs at a rapid rate, which leads to flooding. Let's take a look at some of the inherent threats snowmelt presents from a flooding standpoint, and then how to mitigate those risks proactively. 

There's one decision  that every business owner ─ regardless of the type of business they own ─ needs to make each year: how much flood insurance should be purchased based on the potential that their business will be damaged by a flood.

If history is any guide, thousands of business owners stand to be impacted  by flooding every year. Beyond the physical damage a flood can do to a building, a flood can also ruin inventory, contents and important documents located in the building during the time of a loss.

Experiencing a flood doesn't have to mean the end of your business ─ being well-prepared and understanding your flood risk can help lessen the impact. ​

Coastal Cities Still in the Crosshairs
Though there isn't a single state that's not at risk for flooding, the potential for flooding along the eastern and southern coast lines is on the rise due to increasing water levels.  Cities like  Miami, New Orleans, New York and Tampa each face an increased risk in the coming years for a flood that could cost some local economies $15 billion or more.

“We see it all the time, business owners that understand their exposure to flooding and purchase flood insurance are better prepared if a flood were to happen.  If a business should experience a flood loss, we find that those with flood insurance are able to recover quicker and open their doors once again,” commented Cassie Masone, Vice President of Flood Operations at Selective.
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FEMA Zip Code Tool
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has a web-based tool that allows business owners to determine their risk for flooding. These results can help business owners determine the proper amount of coverage to purchase.

Another way to determine your area’s flooding potential is by staying informed. Advances in climate sciences and meteorological forecasts have enabled experts to more accurately predict the chances for flooding when a storm approaches. Ideal sources include local weather stations, the American Red Cross, the National Hurricane Center and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Selective is able to provide flood insurance  for your business though the government's National Flood Insurance Program. The NFIP business owner's policy can provide building coverage up to $500,000 and contents coverage up to $500,000.  For more information on the flood insurance coverage that's right for you and your business, speak with a Selective agent today.

Hurricanes can leave you vulnerable to major losses, as most home and business insurance policies will not cover flooding from certain storm circumstances. Hurricanes typically stretch 300 miles, so the spread of damage can be drastic. Storm preparation starts with making sure you have a flood insurance policy to ensure your home or business is protected properly. In addition, there are other steps you can take to increase your safety and decrease your losses.
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Here are some  key tips to keep in mind before, during, and after a storm.

Before a Hurricane:

• Build or restock an emergency preparedness kit. Be sure to include key items like a flashlight, batteries, cash and first aid supplies.
• Bring in items, such as outdoor furniture, that the wind can blow away.
• Have drinking water ready for use. 
• Be sure to keep your primary vehicle in good working condition and keep the gas tank full. Stock it with emergency supplies and a fresh change of clothes.
• Plan how to communicate with family members if you lose power – even consider building an emergency communication plan. 
• Turn off propane tanks and unplug small appliances. Click here for more information on how to practice electrical safety during flooding.

During a Hurricane:

• Close storm shutters and stay away from windows, as flying glass from broken windows could be dangerous.
• If you are outside, move to higher ground and do not walk, swim or drive through floodwater.
• If power is lost, be sure to use a flashlight. Using candles can pose an unnecessary fire risk. 
• Turn your refrigerator or freezer to its coldest setting and open it only when necessary. If you lose power, this could help preserve your food supplies.
• Watch or listen to a TV or radio for the latest weather updates or emergency instructions. Many city or county websites also often supply updates every 30 minutes or so. 

After a Hurricane:

• Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters. Just six inches of moving water can knock you over and fast-moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
• Avoid any floodwater that may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines. In addition, be extra vigilant as floodwater could be hiding dangerous debris and areas where the ground has washed away. 
• Only return home when authorities indicate it is safe. Be sure to keep in touch with friends and family so they know that you are safe.

Enduring the storm is only half the battle. We at Selective and our independent agency partners are prepared to help you recover. If you need to make a flood, personal, or commercial insurance claim, click the links below. 

Every storm season, we continue to hear how there hasn’t been a storm this big in the past 100 years. Isn’t it time to start protecting what’s important to you? You can do that with Flood Insurance from Selective.
 
Flood Facts:

• Floods are the #1 natural disaster in the United States.
• All 50 states have experienced flooding, including flash flooding, in the past five years.
• Scientists have found that the amount of rain produced by heavy rainstorms has gone up 10% since 1900.
• Extreme rainfall events are trending upward, nine of the top ten years for extreme one-day precipitation events have happened since 1990.
• Floods can happen anywhere, not just in the high-risk flood zones. Historically, properties in low-risk flood areas account for more than 20% of the recorded flood losses.
• Most homeowners, renters and business property insurance policies do not cover damage caused by flooding.

Don’t wait for the next big storm. For a list of agencies that can help in your area, please contact floodcustomerservice@selective.com or call (877) 348-0552.

Many property owners probably wish they had purchased flood insurance after their home is damaged by flooding. Most homeowners, rental, and business insurance doesn’t cover damage caused by flooding. Flood insurance is designed to protect you and your property in a flood event. See retired U.S. Army Sergeant Gary Boggs’ story on how important flood insurance is.

​While flood insurance isn’t required for properties located in low-risk flood areas, anyone can be financially vulnerable to floods. Recent storms have caused millions of dollars of damage to properties in low risk flood areas. Historically, properties in low-risk flood areas account for more than 20% of the flood losses and a third of the federal disaster assistance. Click here to see why you need to rethink flood insurance.

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) cannot pay a claim due to flood damage if you don’t have a policy in effect when the damage occurs. An NFIP insurance policy generally has a 30-day waiting period before the policy becomes effective, so don’t wait, buy now. For a list of agencies that can help in your area, please contact floodcustomerservice@selective.com or call (877) 348-0552. 

Water is a powerful force in nature. It shapes the landscape of the United States and the world in many ways. It's a necessary part of life – after all, human bodies are composed of up to 60% water. 

However, water isn't always welcome. Flooding is among the most destructive natural disasters. It can ruin homes, destroy businesses and take lives.

As a homeowner, keeping your property safe should be a top priority. That includes taking preventive action against the risk of flooding. But, many property owners don’t realize flooding damage isn't covered by a traditional homeowners insurance policy. If you want to comprehensive insurance policy for your property, flood insurance should be part of the solution.

What Is Flood Insurance?
The vast majority of standard home insurance plans don't cover the effects of flooding. Unfortunately, most homeowners don't learn this until it's too late. Flood insurance coverage is typically provided on a policy separate from traditional homeowners insurance.

Flooding doesn't include just any water damage, though. Rather, the NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) defines flood damage as:

• Overflow of inland or tidal waters
• Rain and accumulation of surface waters from any source
• Mudflow
• Breakdown of land along the shores of a lake or similar body of water

​Flood insurance covers damage to a home and foundation, electrical and plumbing systems, heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC) systems, appliances and debris removal. A separate policy can cover personal property.

Unlike standard insurance options, which are sold through private companies, primary flood insurance is most often sold by private insurance companies using the government's National Flood Insurance Program. Policies are capped at $350,000. Supplemental policies are available for those with property and possessions in excess of this amount as well, providing numerous options to incorporate coverage for flooding into your insurance portfolio.

Why Does Flood Insurance Matter?
Simply put, flooding can happen  in a wide range of regions, no matter the time of year or the local weather patterns. While some areas are more likely to see flooding than others, many properties can experience a devastating flood.

If you think you're not at risk, think again: more than 20% of flood insurance claims come from low and moderate risk level areas. Tragically, only 12% of Americans choose this vital protection, putting numerous properties at risk each year. The government may provide assistance in case of significant disasters. But, many homeowners do not realize that this funding comes with strings attached. Most federal aid for natural disasters is available in the form of loans with interest.

Do You Need Flood Insurance?
Do you have $30,000 or more set aside to spend on repairing flood damage? As this is the average amount of a standard flood claim, such an expense could put countless families in financial jeopardy from coast to coast.

If you have a home and are located in any area in the country that is subject to heavy rains, near a volatile body of water or in a flood plain, it’s prudent to consider flood insurance.

For those living in a flood plain, flood insurance is generally required by mortgage companies. So in that case, the purchase decision may not be up to you. Even if you are not required to buy it, flood insurance can still be a small investment to protect against the risk of big losses. 

Check with your independent agent to help determine what risks you face and the protection you need.

Disasters can strike at any time and without warning. Emergency situations may present additional challenges for people with disabilities and those who care for them.

Preparing a disaster plan now can help to minimize some of the stress that occurs during a disaster. 

Make a Plan
Planning begins with gathering information. First, familiarize yourself the types of disasters more likely to strike in your area. Different  disasters call for different plans. For example, if you live in the Southwest, you probably won’t need to worry about blizzards, but they may be a factor for residents of the Midwest

Next, note the best course of action tor each type of disaster. Considerations include evacuation plans, resources needed to get you through the disaster, and alternative lodging locations.  Visit the American Red Cross’s resource library to get more information on what you should consider when making a disaster plan.

Considerations for People with Disabilities or Special Needs
If you or someone for whom you care has a disability or will need additional care during a disaster, it is important to think about and plan for the following items:

• Have back up batteries or backup power for necessary medical devices.

• Have manual alternatives for necessary equipment such as wheelchairs or crutches instead of a scooter or electric wheelchair.
• Determine how to keep medications at appropriate temperatures if the power goes out.
• Keep a stockpile of necessary supplies(e.g., diapers, catheters, and feeding tubes).
• Identify medical facilities that are available if you have to evacuate.
• If needed, store another backup emergency kit at a different location, such as a workplace or school.
• Keep laminated operation instructions attached to or close to any necessary equipment
• Put together a list of important people and phone numbers. 

To ensure you have everything in your plan covered, ask yourself simple ‘what if’ questions to make sure you are prepared.

Have a Backup Plan
Written plans are key. You shouldn’t rely on your memory as things can happen unexpectedly and quickly during an emergency situation. Many times you won’t have time to think about the actions you need to take.   
Need help in preparing a plan? Think about asking friends, family or support services to help you. Need more information?  Please visit the websites for   the American Red Cross, FEMA, the CDC and Ready.gov.

On National Grandparents Day, we are reminded of the many good things grandparents do for us and our children. Whether our own grandparents or our children’s grandparents, it’s important to be mindful of the practical concerns regarding their well-being and provide assistance if needed. Checking in on their insurance coverage and helping make sure their policies are appropriate for their needs can help protect them.

Where are your grandparents living?
Your grandparents’ living arrangements will affect their insurance needs. Independent living senior housing units can be either owned or rented. If rented, they function in many ways like any other apartment complex and may require your grandparents to have a renters policy to protect their belongings as well as provide liability coverage. If the residence is owned, a condominium policy would be advisable.

At Selective, we can offer an additional coverage option for grandparents regularly residing in an assisted living facility. Selective’s Assisted Living Care Coverage is an endorsement to a family member’s policy that provides coverage for a relative of the insured family member who regularly resides in a living care facility. It offers contents and liability coverages as well as additional living expense coverage. Ask your agent for more details.

Keep in mind that flood insurance coverage typically requires a separate policy or an addendum to a renter’s policy, so it’s wise to consider flood risk.

Are they landlords?
Some grandparents may relocate without selling their home. Instead, they rent it for a source of supplementary income. Such a change in usage requires adjustment to their insurance coverages. If this situation were to occur, please contact your agent for more information.

Are they driving?
If your grandparents own a vehicle they obviously still need auto insurance which will include liability coverage. If they are concerned about damage to their vehicle for incidents such as a broken windshield or an accident with an animal, they would need comprehensive coverage. However, if they also wanted coverage for an automobile accident, they would need collision coverage. Please note that if the vehicle is financed or leased, comprehensive and collision coverage may be mandatory under the agreement with the lender or lessor. 
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To ensure proper coverage for your grandparent or relative, please contact your independent agent for more information. Don’t have an agent? Click here to find one in your area.

Flooding is the nation’s most common natural disaster and can cause more damage to property than hurricanes or tornadoes. If you are a small-business owner and are located near a body of water  such as a stream, river, lake, ocean, levee or dam.  now is the time to review you flood insurance needs. 
 
Flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) provides valuable coverage for your building  as well as furniture, machinery, stock and other property used for your business.    
 
Types of flooding
According to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS), a nonprofit insurance industry research organization, there are four major types of flooding:

• Rising water from melting snow or large drifts of ice.
• Fast-moving water from overflowing rivers, in which case the water's lateral force is the most destructive aspect.
• Levee or dam breaches, which release held-back river or ocean water.
• Flash flooding resulting from extensive rainfall all at once and severe thunderstorms that linger or tropical storms moving inland.

It is important to note that floodwaters with large amounts of dirt and debris  or that are contaminated with waste or chemicals can increase the amount of damage to property.   .

In terms of structural integrity, the depth of floodwater is particularly important to note. The IBHS states that floodwaters that go beyond three feet may crack masonry and other foundation materials, potentially impacting the structural integrity of a building. 

How should I protect myself?  If your business is in a high flood risk area and there is a mortgage from a federally insured or regulated lending institution on the property, flood insurance is usually required by the lender.   If you are not is a high flood risk area, purchasing flood insurance can  prove to be a wise choice. According to the I.I.I., few commercial property insurance packages cover flood or water damage. In addition, floods can happen in all areas including areas deemed to be ‘safe’ from flooding.  If your business is in the general vicinity to a body of water or  your area is prone to heavy rain fall, a flood policy can be the protection  you need. 
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The Federal Emergency Management Agency, in collaboration with insurance companies involved in their NFIP Write Your Own program  offer flood coverage to business and property owners across the country. If you are interested in learning more about the coverages offered by the NFIP  please  contact your insurance agent today to get a flood insurance quote.   

Visit selectiveflood.com for additional information.