Strategies from Wisconsin professionals on Shielding Your House from Flood Damage
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In the aftermath of severe storms that caused damage and flooding across parts of Wisconsin, the importance of flood insurance has come to the forefront. Many homeowners affected by the flood have reported water in their basements, according to Alex Wuest, Vice President of Finance and Estimating at Paul Davis Property Restoration Experts.
Being proactive is the best way to prevent flooding, as stated by Alex Wuest. If a flood happens within two days of getting flood insurance coverage, the coverage will not apply, a fact highlighted by Sarah Smith, Public Affairs Director for the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance.
Fortunately, nearly everybody in Wisconsin is eligible to get flood insurance if they choose to sign up for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), according to Smith. This program is available in communities that comply with flood risk reduction requirements. Private insurance companies also offer flood insurance policies, sometimes with higher coverage limits or faster claim processing.
To obtain flood insurance in Wisconsin, you generally need to purchase a separate policy as it is not included in standard homeowners insurance. Here are the steps to follow:
- Check if your property is in a FEMA-designated flood zone (often required by lenders).
- Contact your current insurance agent or a company offering NFIP or private flood insurance.
- Provide necessary information about your property, possibly including an elevation certificate to help lower premiums.
- Purchase a policy that covers your building and/or personal contents against flood damage.
The benefits of having flood insurance coverage are manifold. It provides coverage for flood-related damages to your home’s foundation, walls, floors, electrical and plumbing systems, appliances, HVAC units, and attached garages. It also protects personal belongings such as furniture, clothing, electronics, tools, and valuables in basements or lower levels.
Moreover, flood insurance assists with cleanup and repair costs, which can be very expensive without insurance. It offers peace of mind during heavy rains, spring snowmelt, or flooding from nearby rivers and creeks, since standard homeowner policies do not cover flood damage.
Even if you live outside high-risk zones, flood insurance premiums may be lower but the risk remains, and many flood claims occur outside officially designated floodplains.
In times of crisis, teams from as far as Florida drove in to help with the flood damage repairs. If your home gets flooded, it is recommended to take the following steps:
- Open doors and windows to help circulate air.
- Safely unplug electrical appliances.
- Run dehumidifiers to remove excess moisture.
- Get an inspection or repairs from a professional contractor.
Sewer backup insurance may be necessary during severe flooding, another piece of advice from Smith. FEMA flood insurance has a 30-day waiting period before it takes effect.
It is recommended to consider getting flood insurance before flood season. Resources and a quote tool for flood insurance plans can be found at floodsmart.gov. Contents-only flood insurance policies are cheaper than standard policies, providing an affordable option for many homeowners.
In summary, flood insurance helps fill the gap left by homeowners insurance, protects your property and belongings, and supports recovery costs after flood events common in Wisconsin due to rain, snowmelt, and river flooding.
