Flood Prep
Insurance + plan + go-bag.
Flood insurance is SEPARATE
- Standard homeowners does NOT cover flood.
- Federal NFIP via FEMA — most common.
- Cost: $400-2,500/year depending on zone.
- 30-day waiting period — buy NOW, before threat.
- Even outside flood zones — 25% of claims from low-risk areas.
- Renters can get contents-only flood insurance.
Before flood
- Check FEMA flood zone — fema.gov/flood-maps.
- Move valuables to upper floors.
- Sandbags from town if available.
- Sump pump tested.
- Anchor outdoor fuel tanks.
- Move car to high ground.
- Photo home + valuables for claim.
- Backup important documents to cloud.
During
- Don't drive through water — 6 inches sweeps cars away.
- "Turn around — Don't drown" — National Weather Service motto.
- If water rising — go UP not out.
- Avoid touching electrical when wet.
- Don't walk in floodwater — current + debris.
- Listen to weather radio for evacuation orders.
After flood
- Don't enter home until cleared safe.
- Photograph EVERYTHING for insurance + FEMA.
- File claim within 60 days for NFIP.
- Apply for FEMA aid: disasterassistance.gov.
- Beware contractor scams — check licenses + Better Business Bureau.
- Throw out anything contaminated by floodwater (sewage risk).
FEMA disaster assistance
After major flood, FEMA aid available even without flood insurance. Up to $40K+ for severe damage. Apply at disasterassistance.gov or 1-800-621-3362. Many seniors miss this — apply quickly.