by Penny Insurance Agency | Jul 26, 2019 | Insurance
When people think of the rainiest places in the country, states like Washington and Oregon usually come to mind. In reality, some of the states with the most rainfall per year are in the Southeast, among them North Carolina.1 Raleigh, in fact, is one of the top cities in the U.S. that receive more than 45 inches of rain per year. All of this rain has to end up somewhere, and sometimes, it has nowhere to drain.
Flooding in North Carolina is a scarily common occurrence, and residents should prepare their homes accordingly in case of an emergency. Typically speaking, people will know when the threat of flooding is high. By paying attention to weather reports during periods of heavy rain and during hurricane season, residents can become more aware of flood watches and warnings.
If you know your area is in danger of flooding, the safest thing for you to do is evacuate when the risk is high. Listen to local and state officials about the best course of action to protect you and your loved ones. If you cannot leave the area, then seek higher ground. Flash flooding can occur very quickly, and if you’re still in the area, you may become trapped in the floodwaters. You should not try to move through the water, either by foot or vehicle. Water may not look deep or dangerous, but it can be deceptively powerful.
To prepare your home for a flood, start with the lower levels and ground items. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends “elevating critical utilities, such as electrical panels, switches, sockets, wiring, appliances, and heating systems.”2 Valuables and furniture should also be placed on high ground or in a safe place. It may be necessary to waterproof your basement if you live in a place that frequently floods.
The threat of flooding can be scary, but it doesn’t have to be all-consuming and compromise your peace of mind. If you have flood insurance, then you are financially protected for the damage a flood may cause. This goes beyond people who live near the coast or a lake or river. Flooding can occur anywhere, even dozens of miles inland. Standard insurance policies in North and South Carolina do not cover flooding, but it is something that is necessary to protect your home in a worst case scenario.
At Penny Insurance Agency, we know weather can be unpredictable, and we understand the threat floods create. Contact us today to learn more about flood insurance and the other types of emergency situations we can help cover you from.
Sources:
- https://www.currentresults.com/Weather-Extremes/US/wettest-states.php
- https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/1409002852888-3c5d1f64f12df02aa801901cc7c311ca/how_to_prepare_flood_033014_508.pdf
by Penny Insurance Agency | Jul 9, 2019 | General Tips, Pet Insurance
We love the summer, and we love our fur babies, but that doesn’t necessarily mean our pets also love the summer. The summer months are a great excuse for you to enjoy the outdoors with your four-legged friend, but the heat and other outside influences can often prove dangerous for our pets. Taking precautions to ensure the safety of your pet is just as important as protecting your home and other valuables.
Thankfully, most people know that leaving your pet trapped in a hot car can threaten their safety, but the heat outside can also be harmful. If your animal is left outside in the sun, they can be susceptible to heat stroke. Dogs and cats don’t sweat the same way humans do in order to cool down, causing their body tempDog Days of Summereratures to rise quickly when the temperature outside is close to that of their own. To prevent your animal from suffering a heat stroke, make sure they have enough water and adequate shade if they’re kept outside. A sign that your dog or cat may be overheating is if they’re panting excessively.
Enjoying the sunny weather by taking your dog on a walk is a good way to spend the afternoon, but make sure the ground isn’t too hot for your dog’s paws. Hot surfaces like concrete, sand, and asphalt heat up fast and can quickly become too hot for your pup. To prevent their paws from burning, walk your dog in the grass or during the morning or evening, after the ground has cooled. A good test to measure if the ground is too hot is to place your hand on the ground your dog will be walking on for five to ten seconds. If your hand is hot and uncomfortable in that short time span, chances are your dog’s paws will be, too.
If you’re planning on bringing your canine to the water, make sure he or she is equipped with the proper safety equipment. While some dogs instinctually know how to swim, they still might not be strong enough to do so on their own for an extended length of time. Stay near your pet at all times and consider having a life jacket if you are not confident in his/her swimming abilities. If you’ll be visiting the beach with your dog(s), it’s important they don’t stray far from the shore to avoid large waves and riptides.
At Penny Insurance Agency, we understand that your pets are just as valued as any other member of your family. Pet insurance can cover injuries, illnesses, and veterinarian treatments, and in the summer, it’s necessary to make sure your pets get the best care possible. Contact us today to learn about how you can protect your canine and/or feline friends.
