These past few weeks have been consumed with discussion around Hurricane Florence. This hurricane, which hit in early September, has left the Carolinas in devastation. According to CBS News, at lease 33 people have died in storm-related incidents, 343,000 people were without power in North Carolina and the storm produced nearly 36 inches of rain in Elizabethtown, N.C.* Flooding was one of the more serious outcomes of this hurricane. Many North Carolina rivers were already at flood level and are expected to continue rising.
When flooding occurs, an entire neighborhood can be destroyed by the intense waters that can sweep away people and cars. Flooding can also result in contamination, such as sharp debris, pesticides, fuel, and sewage that rest in these stagnant waters. Dangerous molds can also appear. As seen in North Carolina recently, residents of flooded areas can be left without power and clean drinking water, which can result in outbreaks of deadly waterborne diseases like typhoid, hepatitis A, and cholera.** According to Fema.gov***, floods are the most common disasters in the United States. Because it is the number one natural disaster in our country, the purchase of flood insurance should be something to heavily consider, especially if you live in an area that is more prone to flooding.
As we have seen from Hurricane Florence, flooding can not only cause damage to your house, personal belongings, and cars, but it can also really hurt your bank account. Flooding can become extremely expensive; just a little water can cause thousands of dollars damage to your bank account. So, when purchasing flood insurance, you have two options.**** The first is the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which is provided through FEMA (Federal Emergency Mandatory Agency). If you choose to go with this option, there are two types of coverage from which you can choose. The first is building property, which covers what it would cost to repair your home up to $250,000. The second is personal property, which replaces up to $100,000 in items and includes depreciation value. This coverage would pay what the item is worth today, not what you paid or what it would cost to replace it. The second option for flood insurance is private flood insurance, which is provided through private insurers. Unlike NFIP, private flood insurance offers higher coverage than what NFIP would offer for your home and personal belongings. However, a downside is that this option may not be available if you live in a high-risk (flooding) area.
You’d be surprised to learn where floods can happen and whether you’re at risk, so it’s wise to check with Penny Insurance Agency to learn more. Floods can happen almost anywhere and the damage is NOT covered by your standard homeowner’s policy. If you reside or own a home closer to the southeast coast, or even in downtown Hendersonville to the Cliffs Communities, it is wise to get covered before disaster strikes. Penny Insurance Agency can help you find the right flood insurance. Call us today to get started!
** https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/natural-disasters/floods/
***https://www.fema.gov/news-release/2004/08/16/flooding-americas-1-natural-hazard