How To Recover From A Flood

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), a federal initiative that assists communities in flood protection, ranks floods as the "No. 1 disaster in the United States," causing billions of dollars in damages on an annual basis. The agency also notes the average flood insurance claim reached $42,000 between 2010 and 2014, and total claims were $3.5 billion annually on average between 2005 and 2014. Remember, damage to your home caused by flood waters is typically not covered by your homeowners policy. You'll need a flood insurance policy through NFIP. Speak with your independent agent about your coverage options to make sure you have the right coverage if a flood occurs. 

With these costs in mind, let's take a look at some of the ways you can recover following a flood that damages your home:

• Clean up: The Insurance Information Institute - a research firm devoted to insurance - recommends thoroughly inspecting the home once it is safe to re-enter, looking to identify potential fire hazards, damage to the foundation, mold and other major threats to safety.
• Repair: Health needs to be the top priority while repairing the home after a flood. The NFIP suggests wearing gloves and cleaning the entire home - especially the kitchen - as thoroughly as possible to prevent contracting illnesses from bacteria in the flood waters. 
• Rebuilding: The American Red Cross - a humanitarian organization - and the Federal Emergency Management Agency - a government entity devoted to emergency response - strongly urge homeowners to seek out assistance for bigger rebuilding projects, ensuring qualified professionals handle the task. 
• Track progress: Take photographs, track all of your spending on repairs and diligently log every item to ensure you are prepared to file a claim properly. 

​Homeowners should always get in touch with their independent insurance agent as soon as possible when a flood occurs, as they will need to get an adjuster into the home to begin evaluating the damages. Working closely with your insurance agent every step of the way will ensure the quickest, most efficient and financially sound return to normalcy in the home. Don't wait for a flood to get covered - speak to your independent insurance agent today to #rethink your insurance. ​

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Homeowner's and Renter's guide to
​mold cleanup after DISASTERS

Check out FEMA's guide to cleaning up after a flood for tips on safely removing debris, safely cleaning up mold, when you should get help from professionals  and more. 

View guide

FEMA also warns survivors to be on alert for fraud and/or price gouging. FEMA offers tips to avoid scams, identity theft, and fraud and how to report price gouging. Click here for information on Hurricane Harvey and click here for Hurricane Irma resources. ​