![]() ![]() Depending on where you live, your bank may be able to legally purchase flood insurance for your property and send you a bill. Your bank may require you to purchase flood insurance prior to giving you a mortgage. Home and renters insurance cover water damage caused by non-flood events, such as a burst pipe. ![]() In recent years, inland flooding has caused more hurricane-related deaths in Florida than storm surge.įlorida averages 45 flood events a year, with annual property loss of $86 million, according to the Division of Emergency Management. ![]() Rivers, streams, lakes, and canals have all flooded during hurricanes or big rain events. Flooding is Not Just a Coastal Problemįorty-nine of Florida’s 67 counties are at high-risk for flooding. The real estate company, Zillow, and the environmental nonprofit, Climate Center, conducted a 2019 study that indicates that over the next three decades, thousands of Florida homes- or about $3.38 billion worth of residential real estate-are at risk for serious flooding. Last year, record amounts of rain fell as late as December, disrupting holiday travel. During these six months, we get about 70 percent of our annual rainfall. Florida’s Official Rainy Seasonįlorida also has a significant rainy season, running from May 15 to October 15. Shifting atmospheric conditions, rising sea levels, and coastal erosion all contribute to this issue. A University of Florida study found that flooding along the US’s southeast shoreline increased at 0.75 an inch per year from 2011-2015, as compared to the global rate of 0.1 inch per year. The policy comes into effect 30 days after purchase, and you want active coverage before the peak of hurricane season in August.Tidal flooding, also known as “sunny day flooding,” has become a major issue for Miami, Key Largo, Fort Lauderdale, and other coastal communities. If you don’t have flood insurance, purchase it now. Homeowners and renters insurance doesn’t cover flooding.Make sure your life insurance policy is up to date. ![]() You want to make sure your policies will cover a total loss, should it come to that. Talk to an agent about homeowners or renters insurance, even if you already have it.Insure all boats, ATVs, motorcycles, and any other vehicle you own.Make sure your cars have full coverage rather than just liability insurance.If you can’t leave, this guide may help you prepare in the hours directly leading up to the storm.Sign up to receive emergency alerts for your area.A bag packed with extra clothes and sturdy shoes.A cell phone, charger, and portable power pack.A three day supply of food and water for every family member, including pets.These photos will be helpful if you need to file an insurance claim. Store these photos in the cloud, so that you can access them even if your phone or computer is damaged. While you’re at it, snap a picture inventory of big ticket items like expensive appliances and electronics. Take photos of the exterior and interior of your home and cars.Keep that bag with you (or handy during hurricane season) at all times. Keep contact info for key family members and all important documents - insurance papers, social security cards, passports, credit cards, car titles, critical medical records, etc.-in a waterproof bag.Move any cars into a garage or sheltered area, if possible.Replace gravel mulch with soft bark, to prevent broken windows.Move any loose furniture or other items, such as a grill, indoors or into the garage.Tie down small trees and shrubs, to prevent them from uprooting.Trim trees and shrubs to make them more compact and wind-resistant.Reinforce your garage door to help it withstand hurricane season’s high winds.Seal and caulk exterior openings such as cable entry-points, vents, or electrical outlets.Test your sump pump to make sure it works, and have backup batteries on hand.Clear drains and gutters to lessen the chance of roof leaks.Install bolts at the top and bottom of exterior doors to prevent them from being blown open.Use straps or clips to fasten your roof to the structure of your home.Cover windows and glass doors with hurricane shutters or wood.Make sure your house and family are fully insured and ready for the busiest months of the season. Preparing for hurricanes is difficult but doable. The majority of that damage was in the Florida panhandle. In 2018, Hurricane Michael caused $25 billion worth of damage in the US. Hurricane Irma caused $50 billion in total damages in 2017. It destroyed 28,000 homes and damaged 107,000 others. In 1992, Hurricane Andrew caused $26 billion in damage in south Florida. Most hurricanes occur in August and September, so we’ve got a long season in front of us. Hurricane season began June 1st and ends November 30th. Florida has more hurricanes and tropical storms than any other state. ![]()
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