By Katie Cullipher, Principal Environmental Education Planner
So far, early predictions are calling for an extremely active 2024 Atlantic hurricane season. In addition to securing your home and evacuating when/if advised, there is another important step to take before bad weather arrives according to the experts with GetFloodFluent.org—get flood insurance.
“We urge Hampton Roads residents to sign up for flood insurance while the weather is fair, not fierce,” said Ben McFarlane, HRPDC’s chief resilience officer. “The emphasis is on planning now, rather than later, due to the 30-day waiting period before your flood insurance policy goes into effect.”
The damage of just one inch of water in your home can cost more than $25,000 in repairs. To help residents determine what flood insurance may cost, GetFloodFluent.org features a Flood Insurance Estimator. By answering a few easy questions using the online tool, residents can get a sense of how much flood insurance costs and become more informed about why flood insurance costs what it does.
To get more flood facts and utilize the Flood Insurance Estimator, visit GetFloodFluent.org. And, should a storm be heading our way this season, consider taking these important steps.
- Before tropical and hurricane weather conditions, document and store important files and keepsakes in a safe location; prepare an emergency kit for you and your pets; think through an evacuation plan and coordinate these with family members; shore up your property by clearing gutters of debris, move lawn furniture inside and place sandbags, if needed, to divert water away from your home’s foundation.
- If flooding occurs, call your insurance provider right away; avoid contact with flood water, which may contain sewage and other contaminants; discard items that may prove a health risk, such as food, clothing, rugs, etc.; check for structural damage and foundation cracks; note these for insurance purposes; look for downed power lines, and report any to your local utility company; make any temporary repairs you can before your insurance kicks in.