Help homeowners protect their property during flood season

With flood season landing between spring and fall, it is important for homeowners to understand the risk they face from water intrusion. For insurance agents, guiding homeowners through the challenges of flood preparedness is imperative. What follows are insights and practical tips to help agents assist homeowners in protecting their properties throughout the year.

Flood damage is costly and impactful for homeowners

Floods wreak havoc on homes, causing significant damage that can leave homeowners contending with hefty financial burdens and emotional distress. In fact, one inch of water infiltrating an average-sized home can result in approximately $25,000 worth of damage.¹ But the repercussions extend far beyond monetary losses.

Nearly 41 million Americans reside in flood-prone zones, placing them at constant risk of property devastation and disruption to their lives.² In addition, 22% of homeowners say they face flood risk, and 78% of them have flood insurance, leaving many to shoulder the financial weight of recovery alone.³

Data from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) paints a grim picture of the increasing frequency and reach of flood-related disasters over the past two decades. The number of natural disaster declarations tied to flooding and water damage has surged, occurring in 99% of U.S. counties between 1996 and 2019.⁴

Floods also claim lives and inflict injuries annually. In 2023 alone, 79 fatalities were attributed to floods in the U.S.⁵

Because of these threats, homeowners must fortify their properties against flooding and insurance agents have to advocate for comprehensive coverage that can mitigate the devastating consequences of flood damage.

Exposures related to floods

In the aftermath of a flood, homes become veritable minefields of safety hazards, each presenting its own set of risks to unsuspecting residents. As the waters recede, the true extent of damage becomes painfully apparent, and it’s important to tread cautiously amid the wreckage. Consider these exposures:

• Property damage: Floodwaters can cause severe structural damage to homes. Erosion of the foundation is common, necessitating immediate inspection to prevent long-term consequences. Load-bearing components such as beams and columns weaken under flood pressure, posing collapse risks. Flooding can also lead to rot and dry rot, which is often hidden in walls. Additionally, the water associated with flooding can destroy virtually any type of personal property.
• Gas line risks: Floods can damage gas lines, increasing hazards within impacted homes like fires or explosions.
• Injury and death potential: Flooded homes and swift waters can lead to drownings. What’s more navigating through flooded homes increases the risk of injuries due to slippery surfaces and hidden obstacles, as well as electrical shock. Flooded roads can also leave drivers trapped in their vehicles as their vehicles are filled with water.
• Water contamination: Floodwaters carry pollutants like chemicals, sewage and debris, posing health risks. For example, contaminated water harbors pathogens causing illnesses like gastroenteritis upon ingestion or contact. Also, stagnant water becomes breeding grounds for disease vectors like mosquitoes, elevating the risk of illnesses like dengue fever and skin infections.
• Mold growth: Floods create conditions for mold growth, posing both health risks and structural concerns. Excessive moisture post-flooding facilitates rapid mold development. Mold spores released into the air can trigger respiratory issues, and certain molds produce toxins harmful upon ingestion, inhalation or skin contact.

Flood mitigation techniques to help protect homes and personal belongings

Implementing effective flood prevention techniques is paramount for homeowners seeking to safeguard their properties against the devastating impact of flooding. Homeowners should consider the following tips:

1. Know your risk: Along with your insurance agent, evaluate a home’s flood risk to safeguard your financial investment. FEMA’s Risk Rating 2.0⁶ ensures accurate flood insurance pricing and equitable premiums. Agents can assist clients in assessing flood risk by consulting FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center⁷ and utilizing tools like the Risk Mapping, Assessment, and Planning (RISK MAP) process.⁸ Regular updates to FEMA’s Flood Rate Insurance Map (FIRM) are based on information from Letters of Map Change (LOMC), reflecting changes in flooding conditions. Keep in mind, just because your home isn’t located in a flood plain, doesn’t mean it isn’t at risk. Flooding can and does occur virtual anywhere in the country.
2. Store valuables strategically: Basements and crawlspaces are two of most likely areas of a home to be impacted by flooding and water intrusion. With this in mind, homeowners should consider storing important and valuable documents and belongings in a secure and elevation location.
3. Maintain electrical systems: Elevate utilities and appliances above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) level to prevent costly damage and maintain functionality post-flood. Consider turning off home power during flood threats to minimize electrical system compromises and reduce the risk of shocks. Consider hiring a licensed electrician to raise electrical components like sockets and circuit breakers above predicted flood levels for added protection.
4. Consider landscaping solutions: A simple way to mitigate flood risks is to ensure that landscaping slopes away from the foundation of a home. Doing so will help direct water away from the home. Additionally, homeowners can landscape with plans and vegetation that resist soil erosion.
5. Keep gutters clean: Regularly clean gutters to prevent clogs and ensure proper water drainage away from the home’s foundation, reducing the risk of water infiltration during flood season.
6. Utilize a sump pump with battery backup: Install a sump pump with battery backup to remove water from basements prone to flooding, ensuring effective water management during flood events and maintaining functionality during power outages.
7. Plan ahead: Keep a disaster preparedness kit at your home and in your vehicle. At a minimum, this should include water, non-perishable food, a first-aid kit, a battery-powered radio, flashlights and extra batteries. Additionally, homeowners should have a flood safety plan in place and designate a safe location to gather in case of a flood.

During flood season, homeowners should monitor storms and any instructions from local authorities. If a flood occurs, homeowners should do all that they can do protect themselves and their loved ones. In some cases, it may make sense to evacuate the home. If homeowners have to leave their property, have them check with authorities before returning to ensure it is safe to do so.

Following a flood that damages a home or property, it’s important for insureds to contact their  insurance agent and carrier immediately to report a claim and get assistance with the cleanup process.

Documentation is important during the claims process, encourage your customers to keep a current video or photo inventory of property and valuables. If damage happens, tell them to never throw away an item without documenting the damage and keep all receipts related to repairs.

Often a water remediation contractor will be needed to examine the property and assist with the cleanup process. Most contractors are honest, but some use fraudulent practices. For repairs, provide your customers with the list of available contractors from Nationwide’s On Your Side^® Property Repair Network. Contact your claims associate for additional information.

Additional protection for your clients for the flood season

Securing additional protection through flood insurance is crucial for homeowners during flood season. While homeowners’ insurance policies typically cover damage from certain occurrences like fire or theft, they do not provide coverage for flood damage.

Agents can help clients understand the importance of flood insurance. Inform them that flood insurance is the only coverage that directly addresses physical losses to homes and belongings caused by flooding.