Myths and Facts About Flood Insurance

Myth: You can't buy flood insurance if you are located in a high-flood-risk area.
FACT: You can buy National Flood Insurance no matter where you live, as long as your community participates in the NFIP. The NFIP was created in 1968 to make federally backed flood insurance available to property owners, renters, and businesses in participating communities.

Myth: If you live in an unmapped area, you don't need flood insurance.
FACT: Even areas in unmapped flood zones are susceptible to flooding, although to varying degrees. If you live in a mapped flood zone, it is advisable to have flood insurance. However, between 20 and 25 percent of the NFIP's claims come from outside mapped flood zones. Residential and commercial property owners located in unmapped zones should ask their insurance agents if they are eligible for the Preferred Risk Policy, which provides very inexpensive flood insurance protection.

Myth: You can't buy flood insurance if your property has been flooded before.
FACT: You are still eligible to purchase a flood insurance policy after your home, condo, apartment, or business has been flooded, provided that your community is participating in the NFIP.

Myth: Homeowners insurance policies cover flooding.
FACT:  Unfortunately, many home and business owners do not find out until it is too late that their homeowners and business insurance policies do not cover flooding. The NFIP offers a separate policy that protects the single most important financial asset, which for most people is their home or business. Homeowners can include contents coverage in their NFIP policy. Residential and commercial renters can purchase flood insurance coverage for their buildings and contents/inventory and, by doing so, protect their livelihood.

Myth: Federal disaster assistance will pay for flood damage.
FACT: Before a community is eligible for disaster assistance, it must be declared a federal disaster area. Federal disaster assistance declarations are issued in fewer than 50 percent of flooding events. Furthermore, if you are uninsured and receive federal disaster assistance after a flood, you must purchase flood insurance to remain eligible for future disaster relief. Disaster assistance does not cover as much as flood insurance, and flood insurance claims can be paid very rapidly after the event.

Myth: You can't buy flood insurance immediately before or during a flood.
FACT: You can purchase National Flood Insurance at any time. There is usually a 30-day waiting period after you buy flood insurance before the policy is effective. In most cases, the policy does not cover a "loss in progress," which is defined as a loss occurring as of midnight on the first day your policy goes into effect. Basically, if you buy flood insurance after a flood, it will not cover your past losses, only losses after the policy goes into effect.

Myth: The NFIP does not offer basement coverage.
FACT: While basement improvements such as finished walls and floors, and personal belongings in a basement are not covered by flood insurance, structural elements and essential equipment within a basement are. The following items are covered under building coverage, as long as they are connected to a power source, if required, and installed in their functioning location:

• Sump pumps
• Well water tanks and pumps, cisterns, and the water in them
• Oil tanks and the oil in them, natural gas tanks and the gas in them
• Pumps and/or tanks used in conjunction with solar energy
• Furnaces, water heaters, air conditioners, and heat pumps
• Electrical junction and circuit breaker boxes and required utility connections
• Foundation elements
• Stairways, staircases, elevators, and dumbwaiters
• Unpainted drywall walls and ceilings, including fiberglass insulation
• Cleanup

More information on flood insurance is available on the Internet at www.floodsmart.gov, or by calling toll-free 1-888-275-6347 or TTY 1-800-427-5593 for the speech- and hearing-impaired.

FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

Last Modified: Monday, 05-May-2008 17:47:12

Some Types of Fire-Related Hazards Present During and After a Storm

• Lightning associated with thunderstorms generates a variety of fire hazards. The power of lightning's electrical charge and intense heat can electrocute on contact, splitting trees and causing fires.

• Pools of water and even appliances can be electrically charged.
• Appliances that have been exposed to water can short and become a fire hazard.
• Generators are often used during power outages. Generators that are not properly used and maintained can be very hazardous.

Chemical Safety

• Look for combustible liquids like gasoline, lighter fluid, and paint thinner that may have spilled. Thoroughly clean the spill and place containers in a well-ventilated area.
• Keep combustible liquids away from heat sources.

Electrical Safety

• If your home has sustained flood or water damage, and you can safely get to the main breaker or fuse box, turn off the power.
• Assume all wires on the ground are electrically charged. This includes cable TV feeds.
• Be aware of and avoid downed utility lines. Report downed or damaged power lines to the utility company or emergency services.
• Remove standing water, wet carpets and furnishings. Air dry your home with good ventilation before restoring power.
• Have a licensed electrician check your home for damage.

Gas Safety

• Smell and listen for leaky gas connections. If you believe there is a gas leak, immediately leave the house and leave the door(s) open.
• Never strike a match. Any size flame can spark an explosion.
• Before turning the gas back on, have the gas system checked by a professional.

Generator Safety

• Follow the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines when using generators.
• Use a generator or other fuel-powered machines outside the home. CO fumes are odorless and can quickly overwhelm you indoors.
• Use the appropriate sized and type power cords to carry the electric load. Overloaded cords can overheat and cause fires.
• Never run cords under rugs or carpets where heat might build up or damage to a cord may go unnoticed.
• Never connect generators to another power source such as power lines. The reverse flow of electricity or 'backfeed' can electrocute an unsuspecting utility worker.
• Read more about generator safety

Heating Safety

• Kerosene heaters may not be legal in your area and should only be used where approved by authorities.
• Do not use the kitchen oven range to heat your home. In addition to being a fire hazard, it can be a source of toxic fumes.
• Alternative heaters need their space. Keep anything combustible at least 3 feet away.
• Make sure your alternative heaters have 'tip switches.' These 'tip switches' are designed to automatically turn off the heater in the event they tip over.
• Only use the type of fuel recommended by the manufacturer and follow suggested guidelines.
• Never refill a space heater while it is operating or still hot.
• Refuel heaters only outdoors.
• Make sure wood stoves are properly installed, and at least 3 feet away from combustible materials. Ensure they have the proper floor support and adequate ventilation.
• Use a glass or metal screen in front of your fireplace to prevent sparks from igniting nearby carpets, furniture or other combustible items.

and Remember ...

• Be careful when using candles. Keep the flame away from combustible objects and out of the reach of children.
• Some smoke alarms may be dependent on your home's electrical service and could be inoperative during a power outage. Check to see if your smoke alarm uses a back-up battery and install a new battery at least once a year.
• Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of your home.
• All smoke alarms should be tested monthly. All batteries should be replaced with new ones at least once a year.
• If there is a fire hydrant near your home, keep it clear of debris for easy access by the fire department.

This information is provided by the United States Fire Administration.