Almost anywhere it rains, it can flood. I often hear people say that it could never flood where they are, and I have learned to never say never. Areas that never flooded before have been flooding due to nearby developments or natural/man-made changes in the geographic area. Even if you live in an area of that you think isn’t at risk, preparation is just as critical as with other types of exposures.
Flood damage is typically not covered by your business
property insurance, homeowners or renters insurance. There are specialized
flood insurance programs offered by FEMA and many private companies to assist
with repairs and replacing your structure or contents due to damage caused by
rising water. Depending on your
proximity to a water source such as a river or tidal waters, your rate could be
high unless you mitigate the possibility of damage.
When you allow water to pass through the foundation or
ground floor by the use of venting, you reduce the possibility of structural
damage by relieving hydrostatic water pressure.
Elevated structures and elevated home equipment, such as air
conditioners and generators, are more protected from rising water. Land
grading, storm drains, and cleared gutters help to divert water from around
your structure.
Flooding will cause emotional stress along with physical
hazards, so be mindful of the well-being of you and your family during the
aftermath. Floodwater is often contaminated by oil, gasoline or sewage, not to
mention displaced animals, so avoid contact as much as possible. Make sure your city’s water supply is safe to
drink. Boil-orders may be issued.
If you don’t have flood insurance, contact a local insurance
agent to obtain it, as there are waiting periods before coverage becomes
effective. Be sure to plan ahead, and never let your insurance coverage
lapse. There are penalties for losing
your coverage, and your rate could increase by thousands per year to replace
the coverage. Yesterday, I assisted someone who had lost their coverage and
they had been paying $900, and now the rate is over $3000 for the same coverage
level. The flood insurance premium is
based on your specific property including the distance from a body of water,
the type and frequency of historical flooding in your area, the elevation of
the lowest floor of your structure, and the estimated replacement cost of your building. Each building needs to be insured separately
in most cases.
Flooding is one of the most common hazards in the U.S. Being
prepared for any emergency is crucial for the safety of you and your family.
Don’t be caught off guard!
Angelyn Treutel
Zeringue is President of SouthGroup Insurance Services, a CPA, PWCAM, CBIA, and
licensed Trusted Choice Insurance Agent. Reach Angelyn at www.southgroupgulfcoast.com,
(228) 385-1177, or azeringue@southgroup.net.
To help you through the maze of coverages, carriers, premiums, and find ways to save money on your insurance, if you are on the Gulf Coast, contact your Trusted Choice agent, SouthGroup-Gulf Coast http://www.southgroupgulfcoast.com/ , SERVICE TEAM: Angelyn Treutel Zeringue, Tammy Garfield, Tammy Hogue, Melissa Dunn, Alex Treutel, Anne Gillam, Mark Strickland, Joseph Eagle, Michael Scardino, Melinda Teaford, Wendy Butler, Gabriella Scardino and Brittany Eagle at SouthGroup Gulf Coast. You can reach us by snail-mail: 412 Hwy 90, Suite 6, Bay St Louis MS 39520, email: info@southgroupgulfcoast.com, phone or text:228-466-4498 or 228-385-1177, fax:888-415-8922, FaceBook www.facebook.com/southgroup.gulfcoast , or Twitter www.twitter.com/atreutel ! We now have more locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi and 412 Hwy 90 Ste 6-Bay Saint Louis, MS.
We offer the following Lines of Coverage: Workers Compensation, Auto, Home, Life, Health, Disability, Motorcycle, Boat, Wind, Flood, Commercial Property, General Liability, Directors and Officers Liability, Bonds, Group and Individual Life/Health/Dental/Disability/ Vision/Long Term Care, Business Owners, Builders Risk, Commercial Crime, Errors and Omissions, Dwelling Fire, Commercial Flood, Group Accident, Garage Dealers, Inland Marine, Law Enforcement Liability, Pollution Liability, Professional Liability, Personal Umbrella, Commercial Fire, Commercial Umbrella, Excess Flood, Identity Theft, more…
We serve Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, and many other states. We specialize in coastal exposures.
Insurance is stressful, but we make saving easy. We help you save money on insurance!
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