Full Notification

As we wrap up Severe Weather Awareness Week, coupled with the 1”+ of rain that fell last night, I thought it an opportune time to remind everyone of a very valuable resource - www.floodsmart.gov
It’s a great tool for researching flood insurance coverage for your home!  Here are just a couple key highlights from this website:

• Most homeowners insurance policies does not cover flood damage. Only flood insurance covers the cost of rebuilding after a flood.
• Flooding can happen anywhere at any time. Poor drainage systems, summer storms, melting snow, neighborhood construction, and broken water mains can all result in flooding.
• In high-risk areas, there is at least a one-in-four chance of flooding during a 30-year mortgage.
• Even though flood insurance isn’t required for your property, flooding can happen to anyone.  In fact, from 2014 to 2018, policyholders outside of high-risk flood areas filed over 40 percent of all NFIP flood insurance claims and required one-third of federal disaster assistance for flooding. Property owners in the moderate- to low-risk flood areas are eligible for lower-cost Preferred Risk Policies (PRPs). The PRP provides the same building and contents coverage at a more affordable price.
• Federal disaster assistance is only made available when there is a Presidential disaster declaration, and most flood events do not result in a declaration. Disaster assistance typically comes in the form of loans that must be repaid – with interest! NFIP does not require a disaster declaration!
• If you own a vacation/secondary home, you will want to research that as well. 
• If your community participates in the NFIP, you are eligible to purchase coverage. 
• Use their Cost of Flooding Calculator to get an idea of what you could be in for  https://www.floodsmart.gov/flood-insurance-cost/calculator  
• There is typically a 30 day waiting period, so call today!

 
A very simple first step could be to contact your current home owners insurance agent and discuss what is or isn’t covered for flood events.
 
Having seen 300+ homes (here in Lapeer County) affected by the 2009 flood event, I can tell you the destruction from those flood waters was absolutely devastating to so many homeowners. PLEASE don’t wait until AFTER a flood happens! Prepare now!
 
Stay safe everyone!
 
Mary Piorunek, PEM
Lapeer County Emergency Management Director
2332 W. Genesee Street, Lapeer MI 48446
810-667-0242