Flood zones on Cape Cod have recently been redefined by FEMA using high-resolution technology. Formerly rounded to elevations in 3 foot increments, the new readings are in three inch increments. This degree of accuracy has added many properties to flood zones who were not previously classified as such.
Mortgage companies require up-to-date flood insurance for protection from destruction and financial devastation caused by floods. Homeowners without mortgages are not required by law to carry flood insurance, as the risk is borne by the homeowner.
Damage from only a few inches of water can be both costly and disruptive. Repairs and restorations can quickly mount to thousands of dollars. A flood insurance policy from Bryden and Sullivan can protect you.
Flood insurance offers protection against heavy rainfall, snow melts, tidal surges, and inadequate drainage. In general, water entering the home of property for outside is covered by flood insurance, while leaking or frozen pipes (from inside) are covered by homeowners.
Different types of policies are available based on your property’s location and flood history:
Insurance ... simple and done!
6 Steps for Storm Preparedness on Cape Cod
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1. Know your Risk.
Wind Storms, Hurricanes, Blizzards and Flooding are our most immediate concerns on Cape Cod. It's always best to have your own Emergency Preparedness Plan. You can protect your local emergency management organization to determine if there are already community-wide preparedness materials you can have, including evacuation routes, shelters and communication systems. |
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2. Assemble or Update your Emergency Kit.
Stock up on basic supplies you might need if you had to evacuate your home quickly. Items may include food, water, first aid supplies, medication, batteries, blankets and pet supplies. Put these items in a lightweight, waterproof container an dplace it somehere that can be easily accessed in an emegrency. |
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3. Create a Communication Plan.
Your family might not be together when disaster strikes. Have a discussion with your kids about emergency preparedness, including where you can meet and how everyone can get in contact if the unexpected happens. |
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4. Practice your Plan.
Mock scenarios with your family and even your entire community can help everyone understand how to prepare for, react to and recover from a disaster with confidence. That way, if an emergency were to strike, each member would know exactly which tasks they are responsible for to keep themselves and others safe. |
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5. Prepare your Home.
You can reduce the risk of injury to yourself and damage to your home by preparing your property for disaster. For example. in the case of a hurricane, it is recommended to board all windows and doors with hurricane shutters, and turn refrigerators and freezers to the coldest setting in order to preserve food, whereas a blizzard and freezing temps require salting the driveway and letting cold water drip from the faucet to prevent frozen pipes.
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6. Document and Insure your property.
Under certain circumstances, damage to your home may not be covered under a basic homeowner's insurance policy. Talk to Bryden and Sullivan insurance agents to determine if you need any additional coverage for the risks your area is particularly susceptible to, such as tornadoes, wildfires, hurricanes and more.
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