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Whether a flood occurs due to inclement weather or a problem with plumbing, the resulting damages a property suffers can be significant. If you aren’t adequately prepared to handle this type of situation, it’s challenging to recover and get your home back to habitable living conditions. According to the experienced insurance agents at K.L. Smith Agency in Willimantic, CT, knowing what to do before, during, and after a flood will keep you safe and minimize your losses. Below, they suggest a few tips to follow if you get caught in a flood zone. 

Insurance Agent Shares 5 Ways to Handle a Flood Correctly 

1. Review Your Homeowners Insurance

Before disaster ever strikes, it’s crucial to make sure that your home has the appropriate amount of insurance coverage. Standard homeowners insurance policies don’t cover flood damage, so you will probably need to purchase a flood insurance policy specifically designed for this purpose.  Federal regulations state that there is a 30 day wait for flood insurance unless it is a requirement for a mortgage closing.  Don’t wait until it's too late to buy flood insurance.                                                                                

2. Monitor the Situation Carefully

If there’s a potential flood in your area, continue monitoring the situation carefully. Stay up-to-date on all the latest information provided by the weather reports, so you aren’t caught trying to prepare your home or plan your escape at the last minute. 

3. Stay Away From Floodwaters insurance

If the water gets deep, move to higher ground. Floodwaters can be full of bacteria, making it essential for you to avoid as much contact as possible. Don’t walk through floodwaters, especially in any room where the electrical outlets are submerged.  

4. Contact Your Insurance Company 

Once the water has subsided and you’ve evaluated the damage to your property, contact your insurance company to file a claim. This can be a challenging process, so ask your agent to walk you through the process to avoid mistakes and delays. 

5. Take Steps to Prevent Further Damage 

If it’s safe to reenter your home, start the cleanup process by opening the doors and windows to ventilate and dehumidify the property. Begin removing wet items prone to growing mold, and extract as much water as you can. Doing what you can to prevent further damages will help your insurance claim. 

If you’re not sure whether your current homeowners insurance policy provides enough protection in the event of a flood, it’s imperative to consult an insurance agent at K.L. Smith Agency right away. For more than six decades, they have offered high-quality products to clients and will do the same to ensure your property is adequately covered. They will explore all possible coverage options to determine the most suitable choice to meet your needs while staying within your budget. Call them at (860) 423-9294 or visit the website for more information. 

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