Foremost Insurance Group

Devastating floods occur throughout the United States almost every year and are the number one natural disaster in the country. That’s why Foremost Insurance encourages every person to review their flood risk leading up to National Flood Awareness Week, March 15-19, 2010.

According the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), 25-30% of all flood insurance claims come from low- to moderate-risk areas. Even those who don’t live near water are at risk. According to Foremost National Flood Program manager Jeff Hinesly, “Most people assume that because they don’t live near a body of water they have no flood risk. In reality, anywhere it rains, it can flood. Heavy rains, clogged or insufficient drainage systems, nearby construction projects, broken water mains and inadequate levees and dams can cause flooding that puts homes and belongings at risk.”

Your home is one of your greatest investments. That’s why it’s important to prepare ahead should disaster occur. Foremost suggests three simple steps to help you make sure you’re ready in the event of a flood.

Create a “flood file” and keep it in an accessible waterproof and fireproof container. It should contain a room by room inventory of your home, a copy of your insurance information, copies of any critical personal documents (e.g. social security cards, titles and deeds), and a CD backup of computer documents and digital photos.
Develop an emergency plan that includes evacuation routes from home, work and school. Make sure you have an out-of-town contact list that all family members can call in case you get separated.
Create an emergency kit with extra drinking water, non-perishable food, first-aid materials, blankets, a battery-powered radio, a flashlight, and extra batteries that can be grabbed easily during an evacuation.

National Flood Safety week is a good reminder to consider Flood Insurance. Most homeowners policies do not cover flood damage and just a few inches of water can cause thousands in damage. In 2007 alone, flood insurance claims in the United States were nearly $600 million, with an average claim of $33,356.
For more information about flood safety and the Flood insurance available through Foremost, visit our Web site at www.Foremost.com, our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/foremostinsurance or our Twitter page at www.twitter.com/foremost.