Floods can be a complicated reality of living near water or in valleys, and the potential damage to your home and belongings can be devastating. Having flood insurance can help with the cost in the unfortunate case of these kinds of emergencies, but how do you know if it’s right for you and your home? Stalwart Insurance in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has some tips for how to find out.
Flood Zones
Some areas are at higher risk for a flood than others. These areas are known as flood zones. There are three kinds of flood zones, which are differentiated by the risk factor for that area: Special flood hazard areas, Moderate flood hazard areas, and areas of minimal flood hazard. Knowing which area you live in, and how high your chances are of experiencing flooding, can help you determine what kind of flood insurance you need. Some areas are at such a high risk of flood that federal law requires property owners to have flood insurance for those areas, so it’s essential to understand whether your property falls in one of those locations.
What makes a flood zone?
A variety of factors can make an area high-risk for floods: heavy rains, nearby rivers which can overflow, broken dams or urban drainage basins, unexpected storm surges, and melting snow and ice. Some areas are more at risk than others because of these factors. Living in a valley at the bottom of a mountain, for example, can mean that melting snow in the spring can cause flooding in or around your home. Similarly, a house on a river might be at risk during times of heavy rainfall, or living downstream from a dam might put you in danger if the dam were to break. Being aware of these factors and how they affect your need for flood insurance is the best way to be prepared in case of this kind of emergency.
There are many factors to consider when deciding what kind of insurance is best for you, and where flood insurance is concerned, there are even more things to keep in mind. For help deciding if flood insurance is right for you, talk to an insurance representative from Stalwart Insurance in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to find a reliable policy.
