17 Nov

Colorado Flood Insurance

Colorado -the mile high state! If you have ever been to Colorado you’d think that it’s a mostly dry state without a lot of water – and that, for the most part is true. So you may be thinking, why would I ever need Colorado flood insurance? My home won’t flood in a dry state like this!

Well, that’s a dangerous mentality to have, as Colorado does flood – and when it does the results can be disastrous. Colorado, in fact, has a long list of catastrophic flooding events, which usually are the result of unusually heavy rain that overburdens the soil and turns normally calm rivers and streams into raging torrents. This website contains information on some of the most damaging and deadly floods in Colorado history – with both fascinating and terrifying information.

Most Deadly flood in Colorado History:

The Big Thompson Flood – July 31st 1976

Damage – over $35.5 million
Death toll – at least 139

This flash flood occured when over 14 inches of rain fell in a 4 hour period in the mountains of Rocky Mountain National Park, near the town of Estes Park. The Big Thompson river, normally a depth of 18 inches, turned into a 20 foot tall wall of water

To learn more about the Big Thompson Flood, read this archive from The Denver Post.

Most Costly Colorado Flood:

2013 Boulder County Floods

11,000 homes evacuated
1,750 people and 300 pets required air and ground rescue
19,000 homes damaged, 1,500 homes completely destroyed
over $2 Billion dollars in damage
8 deaths
Learn more about the 2013 Colorado Floods on Wikipedia

The real tragedy of these massive flooding events is that the vast majority of victims, thinking they were safe, did not carry flood insurance. That’s why Colorado flood insurance is important – over 30% of flood claims occur in “low risk” flood zones – and the real truth of the matter is that every property is in a flood zone. While many don’t want to pay the premium to obtain flood insurance, the consequences of being without and getting flooded can be financially ruining to many.

According to a CNN report, the number of people in Colorado that were insured for flooding was very low.

Flood damage is not covered by private insurers. Instead, it is covered by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. But Tom Larsen, senior vice president of of Eqecat, said that because very many of the homes damaged by the flooding are not in flood plains, the number of people with flood coverage is very low.

“NFIP is usually only taken when it’s mandatory by a mortgage lender,” he said. “In coastal areas, which are susceptible to hurricanes, there’s a high concentration. That’s why the payout from those storms is so much greater. But the percentage of insurance in this one is going to be a very low number.”

Mike Barry, spokesman for the Insurance Information Institute, agrees with Larsen’s estimate about how few homeowners and businesses affected by the disaster are covered by flood insurance. And he said local governments generally do not have coverage either.

-Source – Colorado floods: Costly and often uninsured, Chris Isidore, @CNNMoney

Get a Quote for Colorado Flood Insurance

Flood Insurance is available both from the Federal Government (NFIP) or from private carriers, like Save Flood Insurance Agency Inc. Because we are selective with our underwriting, we are able to provide flood insurance for less premium. Fill out the form below to inquire about getting a Colorado Flood Insurance quote.

15 Nov

Flood Preparedness

Floods are a real danger in our world, and one that most people don’t give a second thought to until they are literally knee deep in flood waters. Some floods are foreseen, such as an upcoming hurricane. But others, like the 2013 floods in Colorado, seemingly sprang out of nowhere after several days of extremely heavy rain created torrents in once quiet mountain streams. Floods can be devastating for their destruction to property and people’s lives, but there are a few things you can do to increase your flood preparedness.

Flood Preparedness 101

What is a flood?

Flooding is an overflowing of water onto land that is normally dry. Flooding may
happen with only a few inches of water, or it may cover a house to the rooftop.

When do floods happen?

Flooding can occur during any season, but some areas of the country are at greater
risk at certain times of the year. Coastal areas are at greater risk for flooding during
hurricane season (i.e., June to November), while the Midwest is more at risk in the
spring and during heavy summer rains. Ice jams occur in the spring in the Northeast
and Northwest. Even the deserts of the Southwest are at risk during the late
summer monsoon season.

Where do floods occur?

Flooding can happen in any U.S. state or territory. It is particularly important to be
prepared for flooding if you live in a low-lying area near a body of water, such as a
river, stream, or culvert; along a coast; or downstream from a dam or levee.

How does flooding happen?

Flooding can occur in several ways, including the following.
– Rivers and lakes cannot contain excessive rain or snowmelt.
– Excessive rain or snowmelt cannot be fully absorbed into the ground.
– Waterways are blocked with debris or ice and overflow.
– Water containment systems break, such as levees, dams, or water or sewer
systems.
– Strong winds from tropical storms or hurricanes cause a storm surge by pushing
seawater onto land.
The speed and duration of flooding can vary significantly.
– Flooding can occur slowly as rain continues to fall for many days. This type of
flooding, sometimes called a slow-onset flood, can take a week to develop and can
last for months before floodwaters recede.
– Rapid-onset floods occur more quickly, typically developing within hours or days.
These types of floods usually occur in smaller watersheds experiencing heavy
rainfall, particularly in mountainous and urban areas, and the water usually recedes
within a few days.
– Some rapid-onset floods known as flash floods occur very quickly with little or no
warning, such as during periods of extremely heavy rain or when levees, dams,
ice jams, or water systems break. Densely populated areas are at a high risk for
flash floods. In urban areas, flash floods can fill underpasses, viaducts, parking
structures, low roads, and basements.
– The strong winds of a tropical cyclone or hurricane can push large amounts of
seawater up onto the land, causing a storm surge. A storm surge combines
with the ocean’s tide to produce a storm-tide surge. Storm-tide surges have
been registered as high as almost 35 feet above normal sea level and can cause
significant flooding across a large area. This generally occurs over a short period,
typically 4 to 8 hours, but in some areas, it can take much longer for the water to
recede to its pre-storm level.

The Impact of a flood

The physical destruction caused by flooding depends on the speed and level
of the water, the duration of the flood, terrain and soil conditions, and the built
environment (e.g., buildings, roads, and bridges).
– Flooding can cause fatalities and serious injuries for people who are trapped or
swept away by wading in, driving through, or boating across floodwaters.
– Transportation routes, power, water, gas, and other services may be disrupted.
– Commercial supplies and government support systems may be temporarily
unavailable.
– Drinking water supplies and wells may become polluted.
– Floodwaters can cause erosion, which can damage roads, bridge structures, levees,
and buildings with weak foundations, causing their collapse without warning. The
floodwaters may carry the worn-away mud, rocks, and other sediment.
– Landslides and mudslides can occur.
– Even a few inches of floodwater in a home can cause tens of thousands of dollars
in damage.

Flood-related injuries and deaths are often the result of individuals trapped in floodwaters. The best way to stay safe is to leave areas that flood and avoid floodwaters.

Steps to take for Flood Preparedness

Know your flood risk. Learn whether you live, work, or travel through areas
that are prone to flooding. To help communities understand their risk of flooding,
the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) creates flood maps (Flood
Insurance Rate Maps, or FIRMs) to show the locations of high-risk, moderate-tolow
risk, and undetermined risk areas.

Practice an Emergency Plan

Practice how you will communicate with family members. In a dangerous
situation, your first thoughts will be the safety of your family and friends. In case you
are not together when authorities issue a flood watch or flood warning, practice how
you will communicate with each other. Remember that sending texts is often faster
than making a phone call. Keep important numbers written down in your wallet not
just in your phone. It is sometimes easier to reach people outside of your local area
during an emergency, so choose an out-of-town contact for all family members to call
or use social media. Decide where the members of your household will meet after the
flood. Visit www.ready.gov/make-a-plan for instructions on developing a Household
Communication Plan.

Store Life Saving Supplies

Store supplies so you can grab them quickly if you need to evacuate; know
in advance what else you will need to take. Take time now to make a list of the
things you would need or want to take with you if you had to leave your home quickly.
Store the basic emergency supplies in a “Go Bag” or other container. Be ready to
grab other essential items quickly before leaving. Remember to include specialized
items for people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs such
as older adults, children, and those with Limited English Proficiency

Flood Preparedness During a Flooding Event

EVACUATE

– If authorities advise or order you to evacuate, do so immediately. Be sure to
remember the Five Ps of Evacuation: People, Prescriptions, Paper, Personal
Needs, and Priceless Items.
– If you are in the path of a slow-onset flood and there is time before you need to
evacuate, consider the following strategies.
✓Move items you want to protect to a higher floor.
✓Turn off gas, water, and electricity if you know how and can do it safely.
Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or you are standing in water.
✓Put sandbags around your property.

If Floodwater is present:

If you see floodwater on roads, walkways, bridges, and on the ground, do not
attempt to cross. The depth of the water is not always obvious and the roadbed
may be washed out under the water. Moving water has tremendous power. Six
inches of moving water has the potential to knock you off your feet, and a foot of
water can sweep a vehicle—even a large SUV—off of the road. Floodwaters can
contain rocks, mud, other debris, oil, gasoline, and even sewage. Be especially
cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers. For more information
on floodwater hazards, visit the NWS Turn Around Don’t Drown® program at
http://tadd.weather.gov.

If You are Trapped

If you do not leave before the flooding reaches your immediate area and you
are trapped, call 911 if possible. Give your location and explain your situation.

IN A BUILDING

– Go to the highest level of the building. Avoid basements and lower floors, but do
not climb into a closed attic as you may become trapped by rising floodwater.
– Go onto your roof only if necessary. Signal for help.

IN A VEHICLE

– If floodwater is blocking your evacuation route but you can turn around safely, turn
around and go to a building on high ground.
– If your vehicle is trapped in rapidly moving water, stay in the vehicle. If water is
rising inside the vehicle, seek refuge on the roof.

OUTDOORS

– Move to higher ground and, if necessary, climb as high as possible on a sturdy object.

For a more complete Flood Preparedness Guide, please find the FEMA How to prepare for a flood pamphlet here.

DO YOU NEED FLOOD INSURANCE?

Fill out a quote form today and find out how Save Flood Insurance Agency Inc can get you covered for potential flooding disasters.

RESOURCES

If you would like more information, the following resources
may be helpful.
– American Red Cross, Repairing Your Flooded Home:
www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m4340135_file_
cont333_lang0_150.pdf

– FEMA Above the Flood: Elevating Your Floodprone House:
www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/725

– FEMA After a Flood: The First Steps:
www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/3396

– FEMA Homeowner’s Guide to Retrofitting: Six Ways to Protect Your House From
Flooding: www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/480

– FEMA Hurricane Sandy Issue Paper: Guidance for Turning the Power Back On:
www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/29788

– FEMA Hurricane Sandy Recovery Fact Sheet #1: Cleaning Flooded Buildings:
www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/31368?id=7128

– FEMA Protecting Building Utilities From Flood Damage:
www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/3729

– FloodSmart: www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart
– NWS Flood Safety Awareness: www.floodsafety.noaa.gov

– NWS Hurricane Flooding: A Deadly Inland Danger:
www.nws.noaa.gov/om/brochures/InlandFlooding.pdf

– NWS NOAA River Forecast:
www.water.weather.gov/ahps2/index.php?wfo=bmx

– NWS The Hidden Danger: Low Water Crossing:
www.nws.noaa.gov/om/brochures/TheHiddenDangerEnglish.pdf

– NWS Tropical Cyclone Inland Flooding:
www.nws.noaa.gov/om/brochures/TropicalCycloneInlandFlooding.pdf

– NWS Turn Around Don’t Drown®:
www.nws.noaa.gov/os/water/tadd/tadd-resources.shtml#brochures

– Ready: www.Ready.gov/floods
– Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), DisasterSpecific
Resources: Annotated Bibliography:
www.samhsa.gov/dtac/dbhis/dbhis_specific_bib.asp#disaster
– USGS WaterAlert: http://maps.waterdata.usgs.gov/mapper/wateralert

13 Nov

Flood Protection 101

This content courtesy of Fairfax County, VA

Flood Safety: How to Prepare and Protect Yourself from Floods

Residents should be prepared for possible flooding over the next few days if heavy rain arrives and area creeks and small streams rise significantly. According to the National Weather Service, floods cause more damage ($4.1 billion) and loss of life (127 people on average) annually nationwide than any other natural disaster. If you live in a flood-prone area, it’s important to protect yourself and your family from the consequences of flooding.

A flood watch means that flooding is possible but not imminent. A flood warning means that flooding is already occurring or will soon occur.

Government officials remind residents that this is a good time to review your family disaster plan and be prepared to implement it. The following advice may help protect lives and reduce damage before, during and after severe storms and flooding.

BEFORE THE STORM

Monitor your local news and NOAA Weather Radio, or visit the National Weather Service’s Web site at www.nws.noaa.gov for the latest weather information. Battery powered weather radios are available at most stores that sell electronic equipment.
Move to higher ground, away from creeks, streams, rivers and storm drains. Flash floods can sweep over an area without warning, and you may only have minutes to get to safety.
Listen for distant thunder because water from faraway storms may be headed your way. Be aware that flash flooding can occur up to 12 hours after heavy rains.
Learn the safest route from your home or place of business to a safe area away from the high winds or flooding. Keep your vehicle fueled and have an updated local map in your car.
Move livestock and animals to higher ground; bring pets inside.
Store extra drinking water. Fill up clean plastic bottles with clean water if you live in a flood-prone area.
Move your valuables and furniture to higher floors of your home.
Check your gutters to make sure they are clear of leaves and debris.
Check your family emergency kit to be sure it is stocked with essential supplies to last a minimum of three days. Include items like flashlights and batteries, battery-operated radio, weather radio, water, canned food and manual can opener, first aid supplies and medications. Make an emergency kit with supplies for your pet, as well.
Review your family emergency and communications plan. Decide on a meeting place away from home where you and your family will gather if you need to leave your home and family members become separated. The best flood protection comes from good communication before an event happens!

DURING THE STORM Flood protection

Know how to get emergency information for your area.
Keep your battery-operated radio tuned to a local station, and follow all instructions. If you are told to evacuate, move out of the house or building to safe, high ground before access is cut off by floodwater.
Never walk or swim through swiftly moving water. Avoid already-flooded areas. Floodwaters that are above your knees are dangerous. Turn around and go back to higher ground.
Never try to cross standing or moving water in a vehicle. Water that is two feet deep can carry away most cars, including SUVs. If you find floodwaters on the road, turn around and find an alternate route.
Abandon your vehicle immediately if it becomes surrounded with water or the engine stalls. Seek higher ground immediately.

AFTER THE STORM

When it is safe to return to your home, be sure that the structure is not visibly damaged and in danger of collapsing before entering.
Do not use electrical appliances that have been wet. Do not turn on damaged electrical appliances because of the hazards of electric shock or fire.
Watch for live electrical wires. Be sure the electrical current is turned off and do not attempt to turn on any electrically-operated light or appliance until an electrician has checked your system.

30 Oct

Private Market Flood Insurance

Most people that purchase flood insurance do so because their home is located in a FEMA flood map zone – making the insurance mandatory for them to obtain a home mortgage. But did you know that there are private market flood insurance alternatives? That’s where Save Flood Insurance Agency Inc comes in.

Many people that are mandated to buy flood insurance find the maximum limits provided by the NFIP, or National Flood Insurance program, are well under the amounts it would require for them to cover the replacement cost of their home. The NFIP provides for a maximum of $250,000 in coverage, with a maximum of $100,000 in contents covered. However, the NFIP has some drawbacks. Namely, the policies of the NFIP do not cover any contents that may reside in a basement – so if you have a basement full of personal property you may be out of luck. That’s where our private market flood insurance can make a huge difference.

Save Flood Insurance Agency Inc Private Market Flood Insurance

What makes our policies different? Here’s a few examples:

Our waiting period is 15 days, whereas the NFIP program has a 30 day waiting period
our policies are A rated – you know you will have a solid policy
Our policies follow all required guidelines for lenders
You will save anywhere from 20% – 50% on your annual premium
We don’t require an elevation certificate, which can be difficult and time consuming to acquire.

We strive to make obtaining flood insurance an easy process – and we hope that you seek out Save Flood Insurance Agency Inc for your private market flood insurance needs. If you are looking to get a quote for flood insurance, please fill out the information form below.

08 Jun

What is Flood Insurance?

What is flood insurance? That’s a fair question to ask, since you’re on a flood insurance agency’s website. Flooding is the number one most catastrophic disaster that can happen on planet Earth, and costs more in damage than all other major disasters.

What is a flood?

According to the NFIP, or National Flood Insurance Program (a branch of FEMA) a flood is defined as:

A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of two or more acres of normally dry land or two or more properties from:

overflow of inland or tidal waters
unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source,
mudflow

So, floods can happen from natural events such as a hurricane, heavy rain storm, or mountain snow runoff – an excellent example of this in Colorado were the 2013 floods caused by several days of extremely heavy rain. Here is a video with news reports showing some of the devastation that event caused in Boulder County. Courtesy of ABC News

What is Flood Insurance?

Due to the catastrophic nature of flooding, the National Flood Insurance Program was created in 1927 after several major flooding events, specifically the 1927 Mississippi River Flood.

This flood event covered 27,000 square miles, cost $400 million in damage and claimed 246 lives. A disaster of epic proportions – some areas were flooded under 30 feet of water. After this flood, Congress passed the Flood Control Act of 1928 – charging the Army corps of engineers with preventing the nation’s rivers from causing such destruction. For more info on the history of the National flood insurance program check out this video.

Private Market Flood Insurance

While most people obtain flood insurance through the Federal government’s NFIP program, there are several private market flood insurance products that most are not aware of. Save Flood Insurance Agency Inc is one of these entities, and we seek to provide a better flood insurance coverage with a lower premium. Some of the benefits of our flood insurance products:

no elevation certificate required
potential higher limits than the NFIP program
Underwritten by AM Best (Excellent) underwriters
provides loss of use coverage
20-50% less premium cost than NFIP!

So, if you’re curious about obtaining insurance for your property, or want to switch to private market, we’d love to help. Fill out the form below and we can send you a quote.