RI Hurricane Preparedness Week, Day #4 – Insurance

The National Weather Service (NWS) Boston, MA has declared July 10th through July 14th as Hurricane Preparedness Week. Each day this week we will highlight a different preparedness topic.

Today is INSURANCE.

This Hurricane Preparedness Week, call your insurance company or agent and ask for an insurance checkup to make sure you have enough homeowners insurance to repair or even replace your home. Don’t forget coverage for your car or boat.

The same can be said for heavy rainfall farther inland, as rivers, streams and creeks respond quickly. Tropical systems in southern New England typically can produce 6-8 inches of rain in a 24 hour period, and sometimes much more.

On 28 August 2011 Tropical Storm Irene brought 6 to 10 inches of rain along the east slopes of the Berkshires in Massachusetts as well as central and western portions of Hartford county Connecticut. In those areas stream and river flooding ranged from significant to locally catastrophic. Several river gages maintained by the United States Geological Survey set new records.

Irene brought major flooding across portions of northwest Massachusetts. There were numerous evacuations and a number of homes that were flooded and others condemned. One building in Shelburne Falls was moved a distance downstream of its foundation. Another home was reported to have been washed away in Leyden along the Green River. Multiple major routes and highways were affected as well as large swaths of farmland.

Irene was a strong reminder that impacts from tropical storms and hurricanes are not limited to the coastline. These systems contain copious amounts of moisture that can be transported far inland, creating devastating flooding if the conditions are favorable for prolonged torrential rains.

Consider acquiring flood insurance, which is not a part of regular homeowners insurance.

Remember, standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flooding. Whether you’re a homeowner or renter, you’ll need a separate policy for flooding. It’s available through your company, agent or use the agent locator at www.floodsmart.gov. Act now as flood insurance requires a 30­ day waiting period.