How Do I Prepare My Home for a Flood in Miami?

Written by admin on December 28, 2015 at 3:49 PM.

If you live in South Florida, you have been struggling to stay dry over the past few weeks – because it’s been pouring! December has historically been a dry month for the area, according to the National Weather Service, but some areas in Miami had already experienced more rainfall by December 6 than ever recorded this month.

Whenever there is a flood in Miami, it is usually on a large scale and will require a lot of recovery and maintenance to repair the damages.

Just ask Miami Mayor Philip Levine, who said in a TV spot during his mayoral race, “In some parts of the world, going around the city by boat is pretty cool. Like Venice. But in Miami Beach, when it rains, it floods.”

Add this to the fact that the Miami Herald reported earlier this year that Florida has more coastal property at risk of flooding than any other state in the U.S. and is projected to have $152 billion of private property in danger by 2050.

Are You Covered for Flood Damage?

Well, because homeowners’ insurance policies do not typically cover flood losses, you will need to purchase separate flood insurance coverage if your property or business is at risk. But, according to FEMA, there are ways to mitigate that risk by protecting yourself before disaster strikes.

If you properly prepare so that you can act quickly when in danger, it is  possible to avoid having to take care of any flood damage to your property.

Additionally, here are six steps that FEMA recommends you take, as a home or business owner, to adequately prepare yourself and your property for possible flood damage:

1. Visit floodsmart.gov to determine the flood risk in your area.
2. Talk to your insurance agent about buying flood insurance. Typically, a policy purchased today, with additional flood insurance coverage, will take effect in 30 days, so act now.
3. In areas, like South Florida, with consistent repetitive flooding, elevate the heating system (furnace), water heater and electric panel. Or, consider elevating the building.
4. Install “check valves” in sewer lines to prevent floodwater from backing up into the drains of your home and keep gutters and drains free of debris.
5. Stockpile emergency building materials (e.g., plywood, plastic sheeting, lumber nails, a hammer and saw, a pry bar, shovels, and sandbags).
6. Stay informed! Register for local text or email alerting systems for emergency notifications, monitor weather reports and have an option ready in case there is a power outage.

In the world of insurance claims, the term “flood” has a specific definition that can often be confusing for most people.

A flood is when water from an existing water source, like a lake, rises up and enters a home or business.

And, it’s no secret that given the very low average elevation above sea level in South Florida, that the area is extremely vulnerable to coastal flooding – especially as sea levels worldwide are on the rise.

Case in point: a new report from CBRE confirms that no other region in the U.S. is more susceptible to the threat of coastal flooding than South Florida.

So, if you live in an area prone to coastal flooding, like South Florida, and you’ve asked yourself: “how do I prepare my home for an upcoming flood in Miami?” Then, you must take heed of FEMA’s advice!

Protecting yourself today means having sources for information, preparing your home or workplace, developing an emergency communications plan, and knowing what to do when a flood is approaching your home or business,” states FEMA’s website. “Taking action today can save lives and property.”

But, if you aren’t adequately prepared and disaster strikes, Stellar Public Adjusting is here to help you navigate the flood insurance claim process in South Florida.

Contact us first in the case you’re in need of  a Water Damage Claim or Flood Damage Claim and to make sure you are covered…Because the cost of doing nothing after a flood in Miami could be catastrophic!