The central coast is finally getting some much needed rain, but if you’re not prepared, you could be hit by flooding.
“Historically we have seen flooding in the Oceano area, in homes near the lagoon as well as Hwy 1, sometimes near the coast in the southern county we see flooding, Cambria is also historically prone to flooding,” said Rachel Dion, San Luis Obispo County Emergency Services Coordinator.
Water can build up quickly, so here’s a quick fix.
“Just be aware, have sandbags handy if you need to protect the front or back of your house. You can definitely move some belongings to higher places in your house, don’t keep them on the floor,” Dion recommended.
But if you’re considering a long-term game plan, you might want to check your insurance policy.
“Your standard home insurance policy will cover you for the basics – wind, fire and theft,” said Michael Barry, director of communications for the Insurance Information Institute. “In order to be covered for damage caused by flooding – by flooding we are talking about water coming from the ground – you need a separate flood insurance policy. This also applies to tenants.
The National Flood Insurance Program, operated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), has been in existence since 1968.
“One inch of water can cause $25,000 in damage,” FEMA spokesman David Passey said.
It is important to take a look at a FEMA Card to see if you are in a high risk area but even if you are not, you are not safe from flooding.
“Over the past few years, 40% of paid flood insurance claims have been in areas outside of high-risk areas,” Passey said.
He says the average cost of flood insurance in California is about $900 per year. Several factors are taken into account.
“[The] the flood zone you are in, the amount of insurance you buy, the expected height between your building or home and the expected flood level,” Passey said.
He added that a policy will cover the following: “Carpet, parquet, other floors that could be damaged by the flood which is covered by the building policy. Content covers furniture, removable appliances such as a refrigerator.
Damage to the vehicle does not fall under this policy, but there are other options.
“When it comes to auto insurance, as long as a driver has purchased the optional full coverage, and almost 80% of drivers purchase it, it will cover you for flood damage,” Barry said. “Four out of five Americans have chosen to purchase comprehensive coverage, and it covers you for so many things in terms of a tree falling on your vehicle, it covers you for vandalism.”
If you decide to purchase flood insurance, be aware that it takes 30 days for it to take effect. To learn more, Click here.
According to FEMA, the only exception would be if you have just purchased a property and flood insurance is required for that transaction.
If you find yourself in a flood-prone area, San Luis Obispo County Emergency Services also recommends fully charging your phones and packing an emergency kit of non-perishable food items and medications.