It's a common issue for homeowners in Florida to experience natural disasters which most of the time can cause serious damage. In case your home is flooded, you need to be prepared to take action right away to reduce the damage of your home. The first thing you need to do is to contact your flood insurance agency to specifically explain to you what's a priority before you begin the cleaning process. Also, you need to schedule a meeting with an adjuster to come and assess your property's damage. Do not start to remove the water until you ensure there is no risk of electric shock or physical damage. Before you enter your home, take pictures and videos and keep in mind that flood insurance doesn't cover any damage resulting from extreme weather. If you don't have additional floor insurance, the damage won't be covered completely. Down below you'll find some basic information about flood insurance in Florida.
What to Do in Case of a Flood
If your property is flooded, you need to make sure there is no danger when entering the house. For your own safety, the first thing you need to do is to check the source of flooding. If it comes from the waterline, you need to immediately turn it off to prevent any further damage. Make sure you disconnect all the electrical power even if there's no electricity, just to prevent the risk of electrocution. If you suspect any damage to your electricity, water, or sewage lines, call your utility workers because this requests professional attention. Another important thing that you can do and doesn't require professional care is to check your home for any damage caused by flooding, such as the floor or ceiling. If your home is rented, you're lucky. A bit, maybe. A part of the repairs will belong to your landlord's management company. However, you should still follow the steps above to diminish the damage to the property. Also, be aware that the insurance policy will cover the flooding only if it comes from an eruption pipe. So, to make sure you avoid these surprises, purchase your flood insurance to bring safety to your home.
Flood Water
Once everything is safe, make sure you take pictures and videos of any flooded areas. You'll need evidence when you'll claim for flood insurance. Remember, it's very important to locate the source of water. Also, discover what type of water caused the flood, as there are 3 types and each has a dissimilar risk. Let maintenance know about it to avoid exposure to these harmful risks. The darker the color of the water, the higher the health risks. Even if the color is clear, it may contain harmful chemicals. So, make sure you wear protective equipment to avoid contact with your skin. It's recommended to call your floor insurance company as soon as possible, to avoid unwanted delays and get everything repaired soon. If regional flooding occurs, then it's even more important to act quickly. Many houses can be affected and that is the moment when your insurance company can get extremely busy with claims from people. Also, if you live in an area that is declared a "disaster area", then the government should be responsible for providing you resources to help clean up your home. In some cases, maybe even pay for some damage.
Begin the Cleaning Process
As soon as you find out the source of the flooding and you announced your flood insurance company, you can start the cleaning process. It's manageable to do it by yourself, depending on how the flood was produced. If the contrary, you might need to call for a professional to deal with the situation. In the beginning, start with what's easy to do. Remove water that can cause even more damage, such as swelling the wooden floors. Second, open all your windows to make the space airy, unless it causes extra flooding. Get help from a professional to clean the furniture and throw away any soaked mattresses. If you have a wooden floor, make sure you remove a few pieces from it to make sure that swelling doesn't cause your floor to fold. Many damages can occur as you try to move your furniture, so always check carefully. There might be areas where you can cause injury. Remember that it's absolutely necessary to turn off the electricity before you enter in your flooded house. Wait for a professional to inspect the damaged area. Again, it's important to wear protective equipment to protect yourself from insects or other animals that may have entered your house.
Private Flood Insurance for Florida
Flood insurance in Florida can be expensive and may not cover all of your damage. Instead of buying two different policies, you can try another alternative. Private flood insurance can save you from a lot of complications. Flood insurance is the only way of coverage for your home. So, why not choose one that is affordable, offers replacement cost coverage, and is also available for seasonal homes? Of course, it's up to you what type of flood insurance works best for you. Wonder how much flood insurance costs? It may vary, depending on where your home is located, to coverage limits that you choose.
If you're interested in moving to Florida, ready to purchase a house, or just planning to rent a property, get ready! It's time to do some good research before you decide which flood insurance you choose. The insurance market in Florida increased its reputation over the years and people are trying to get the most affordable one out there. If you plan on renting a home in Florida, you should be aware that many landlords will require you to get home insurance, even though is not mandatory. The good news is that you'll pay only for your personal items, everything else will be paid by your landlord.
