What to do When Your House Floods

It’s essential to know your NJ Home Insurance does not include flood coverage by law. Flood insurance is a separate coverage that is recommended for homes at risk. It is special coverage available from the National Flood Insurance Program and Private Flood Insurance companies both available through your local Trusted Choice™ Independent Agent.

NJ Homeowners Facing Increasing Flood Risks

According to flood forecasts, the future risk of floods for New Jersey properties is among the highest in the US. Rising temperatures in the atmosphere and oceans that fuel hurricanes to reach further north are the primary cause. Reviewing your risks with your agent is advised.

Acts of nature are the cause for some of the worst cases of widespread damage and destruction. While no one can control Mother Nature, we can be prepared to withstand the worst cases. We can prepare our homes to safeguard them as much as possible from storms and their aftermath, including flooding.

There are times when the water rises and floods homes beyond our control. Having a plan and knowing what to do should high waters flood your home can make a huge difference in many ways. Here is a checklist of tasks to perform when your house floods.

__ Safety First – Evacuate Humans and Animals ASAP

Take a moment to calm yourself. A few deep breaths with affirmations to handle the situation will help gather your thoughts and emotions. Then evacuate all occupants and pets to safety.

 __ Stop the Water

If the flooding is a natural disaster, this advice may not apply. If the cause is a leak, broken pipe, or other source feeding water to your home, turn off the main valve to the house. If you don’t know where the valve is now, find it and instruct all family members on its location and show them how to shut the valve supplying water to the home.

__ Shut Off Electricity

After turning off the main water valve, you also need to turn off electricity to your home. The switch is at the main fuse box to your home. As with the water valve, it’s critical for you and all family members to know the box’s location and how to turn the main switch off. Don’t do anything if access to your fuse box causes you to stand in water to use it. Contact an electrician.

__ Stay Out of the Water Whenever Possible

Floodwaters have contamination with potentially harmful and toxic bacteria, chemicals, sewage, garbage, debris, and more. In cases where you must enter floodwater, use protective gear such as waterproof boots and gloves. Don’t touch your face or skin with anything that has had contact with the water.

 __ Notify Authorities

Call 911 if someone is injured. If you have unsafe conditions such as downed power lines, live wires, looters, or other problems, contact the appropriate utility or law enforcement. If water is rising everywhere, it’s not necessary to burden local authorities with reports. Your common sense will tell you what to do.

__ Contact Your Landlord

If you rent your home, contact your landlord to let them know the situation with your property. Ensure you have the contact numbers for your landlord or property manager in your phone’s contact list and make it easily identifiable to you.

__ Call Your Insurance Agent

Call your agent to notify them about water damage to your home. Get specific instructions from your agent or insurance company claims personnel on whether you can start cleaning up and making repairs before an adjuster visits your property.

__ Document Everything with Photograph & Film

Cleaning up the mess is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about what to do in case of a flood. Before you start, it’s crucial to create evidence of the disaster. You want as much documentation as possible to show to your insurer. It’s better to document everything than to be selective. Using your cellphone camera to film and photograph property damage and loss is a perfect tool for this purpose.

__ Be Safe and Check for Structural Integrity

In cases of intense flooding, you should make sure the house is structurally safe. When there is a risk of collapse, it is advisable to look for buckled walls or floors. You should also watch for warped or cracked foundations. If you suspect damage to water, gas, electric, or sewer lines, contact your utility companies. The structural integrity of a property is more important than the safety of a household item. Don’t enter into risky situations. Your possessions are less important than your health or life.

Conclusion

These tips cover the most critical and immediate actions you must take when your house floods. Preventative steps are to maintain your property to help it withstand brutal storm conditions and rising water. Inspect your roof for loose or broken shingles and tiles. Keep your gutters and downspouts clear of obstructions. Make sure water is directed away from the foundation. Trim any trees or landscaping that pose a danger to your house.

Finally, it is imperative to have current valuations and appropriate policy limits updated in your NJ Home Insurance policy. The team at the Dickstein Agency has decades of experience helping to protect homeowners by providing them with the most comprehensive homeowners insurance coverage, including flood insurance whenever it is applicable.

About Dickstein Associates Agency

Dickstein Associates Agency has distinguished itself as a leading provider of personal and business insurance in the tri-state area since 1965. We pride ourselves on being advocates for our clients and providing them with quality and affordable coverages. As a Trusted Choice™ independent insurance agency, we partner with highly rated national and regional carriers, allowing for flexible coverage for each client’s unique circumstances. For more information on how you can leverage all your insurance to work best for you, and how we can secure the best insurance in the marketplace suited to your specific needs and business objectives, contact us today at (800) 862-6662 or www.dicksteininsurance.com.