As winter snow melts and spring months deliver frequent rain, floods become one of the most common natural disasters experienced by residences and businesses. In addition to excess waterfall created by seasonal changes and weather, drainage-system failure, inadequate dams and other plumbing mishaps are also causes of flooding.
The worst floods occur where land is flat and low-lying. These areas are known as flood plains. Mud, earth and a plethora of man-made objects can be carried long distances by flood water, uprooting and destroying anything not firmly attached to the ground. You dont have to be in a flood plain to be at risk for damage. Floods can happen anywhere at any time. Even typically dry states such as New Mexico and Arizona can be prone to flash floods, which happen quickly with very little or no warning.
Flood Coverage
Did you know self-storage insurance policies, like most commercial policies, do not include flood insurance? Many facility owners do not realize their standard business policy does not protect them until its too late. As a matter of fact, only a small portion of businesses exposed to the risk of flood damage are insured.
Fortunately, its easy and inexpensive to protect yourself against flood through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which is backed 100 percent by the federal government. The NFIP divides risk areas into three basic groups: low, medium and high. Less than one-third of all reported flood claims come from high-risk areas, and more than one-quarter come from low-risk areas. Thats why most business-insurance experts strongly recommend you have flood insurance, even if you are at low risk.
Before the NFIP program, people only had their community and charity organizations on which to depend. The problem with that was government assistance in each area was limited and inconsistent. Flood insurance was sparse because the people who bought it were only those living in flood-prone areas, making insurance rates expensive. In the late 1960s, Congress took notice of these problems and passed the NFIP. It was designed to assist with costs of loss; inform and educate people to build up and away from flood-prone areas; and set forth requirements on building construction to prevent and deter flood damage.
You can get good and affordable coverage even if your facility is in the boundaries of a flood plain. Flood insurance costs an average of just a few hundred dollars per year for businesses; and a special, low-cost, preferred-risk policy is available for businesses in less-hazardous areas.
The NFIP and its write-your-own (WYO) servicing companies guarantee coverage for anyone in a high-risk area. Depending where you are located, it may not be necessary to purchase flood insurance at maximum amounts. If you are outside a designated high-risk area, you can purchase partial coverage and receive an ACV (actual cash value) payout for damages up to the purchase amount. However, if you have a lot of equity in your buildings and property, you may want to consider purchasing excess flood protection, which is available up to twice the regular limit. This extra protection may be very prudent given inflation and construction costs.
Plan Ahead
You can purchase flood insurance at any time but, there is a 30-day waiting period from the date of your application before coverage goes into effect. It is essential to plan ahead and get coverage from your agent before flooding occurs to ensure you will be covered if disaster strikes. Some emergency considerations to make would be to establish an action plan for monitoring storm activity, preparing for flood conditions, and implementing emergency-salvage operations. It is important to know the history of your area to better anticipate flooding potential. Another precautionary measure would be to document the interior and exterior of your facility and valuables with video or photographs to aid in the event of a claim.
Monitor weather reports through National Weather Service advisories. Every so often, see that all outside doors and windows are tightly secured, and check the conditions of flood doors, gates, walls, dikes, etc. Test all sump pumps for proper operation. Back up all important computer files and records and store them in a secure location. If you suspect flood conditions, shut off gas and electrical service and relocate valuable possessions to safe elevations. Stay calm if disaster threatens. Be prepared to evacuate the area immediately.
If a flood has occurred, begin salvage activities immediately, giving priority to your most valuable property and possessions. Remove flood debris, and drain all standing water as soon as possible. Dehumidify damp areas as thoroughly as conditions allow, and return fire-protection systems to full operation as soon as possible. Carry valid identification, along with proof of residency and your business license. Drive carefully through debris-strewn areas and areas with standing water. Last but not least, contact your insurance-claims representative immediately for adjusting and related services.
Universal Insurance Facilities Ltd. offers a comprehensive package of coverages specifically designed to meet the needs of the self-storage industry. For more information, or to get a quick, no-obligation quote, write P.O. Box 40079, Phoenix, AZ 85067-0079; call 800.844.2101; fax 480.970.6240; e-mail uif@vpico.com; visit www.vpico.com/universal.
