Floods
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Flooding may seem like a coastal phenomenon, but it can happen almost anywhere. More than 20 percent of flood-insurance claims
are filed in low- to moderate-risk areas, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Common causes include heavy
rain, dam and levee failure, and backed-up sewers and storm drains.
Protection begins with proper insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program if it’s available in your area. The coverage
limit is $250,000. Also consider adding an endorsement to your regular insurance policy to cover damage from sewer backups.
Cost is about $50 a year.
To reduce the risk of flood damage to your home:
• Grade the property so that water runs away from the house rather than seep through the walls.
• Install a sump pump, floating drain valves, and exterior back-flow valves to prevent sewage from backing up and entering
your home.
• Connect all basement and ground-floor receptacles to ground fault-circuit interrupters to avoid the risk of electrocution.
• Have an electrician move electrical-service panels at least 1 foot above the base flood-elevation line (go to the Federal
Emergency Management Agency Web site at www.fema.gov or check your building department) to protect them from water damage.
• Mount water heaters and major appliances at least 1 foot off the floor using concrete, masonry, or pressure-treated wood.
• Anchor fuel tanks securely to a large concrete slab whose weight can resist the force of floodwater and flotation, or use
metal straps attached to ground anchors.
• Check washing-machine water hoses for cracks or leaks, which cause $150 million in property damage each year.
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