As we all know, flooding can happen unexpectedly and cause a great deal of damage to our homes and belongings.
There are, however, some actions we can take to help protect our rental property and minimize the probability of damage in the event of a flood. While you can't control the weather, you can take steps to protect your rental property from flood damage.
Here are some ways to prepare your property against flooding:
Gauge the Risk of Flood to your Property
Start by evaluating your risk of flood. Check the Flood Map Service Center to see if your area belongs to the flooded areas list. Ensure you know if your rental property is in a flood zone. If it is, ask your landlord what their flood insurance policy covers.
You must be prepared for a flood emergency. If a flood is imminent, follow any evacuation orders from local authorities. If you're not in a flood zone, it’s still a safe bet to stay tuned to local news and weather reports for updates on the situation.
Prepare Your Materials
If a flood is likely, know what you need to do to protect your belongings. This may include moving them to a higher floor or elevation or placing them in waterproof containers.
An emergency kit includes items like a flashlight, batteries, first aid supplies, and non-perishable food. Keep updated on the weather forecast and be aware of any warnings or evacuations that may be issued.
Then, take steps to protect your rental property. This may include turning off the power, moving furniture to higher ground, or sandbagging doors and windows.
Acquire Flood Insurance
One of the best ways to care for your property and tenants against natural calamities is to get flood insurance. Flood insurance will considerably cover the cost of damages to your property caused by flooding and the cost of temporary housing for your tenants if they have to evacuate. It is important to note that flood insurance is not included in most homeowners insurance policies, so you will need to purchase it separately.
There are a few things to remember when shopping for flood insurance.
First, you will need to decide how much coverage you need. This will depend on the value of your property and the potential for flooding.
Second, you will need to choose a deductible. This is the amount you will have to pay out-of-pocket before your insurance policy kicks in.
Third, you will need to determine whether you want to purchase a policy that covers the replacement value of your property or the actual cash value. Replacement value policies will pay to rebuild your property if it is damaged or destroyed, while basic cash value policies will only pay out the current value of your property.
Finally, you will need to decide whether you want a policy that covers flood damage caused by all types of floods or just specific types, such as hurricanes. All-risk policies will be more expensive but provide more comprehensive coverage.
Conclusion
There are many ways to get your rental property ready for flooding. By taking some simple steps, such as elevating your property, installing flood barriers, and ensuring your insurance policy covers flood damage, you can help minimize the potential damage from a flood.
If you're looking for insurance coverage in Grayson, Georgia, you should contact Brand and Britt Insurance. We can offer you various insurance policies, including auto, home, life, and business insurance. If you're interested, we can help you to get flood insurance in Georgia in case of unforeseen events.