How to Prepare Your Home for Storm Season With Flood Insurance

Floods are among the most devastating and expensive natural disasters homeowners face, especially if they strike without warning. From unexpected heavy rains in the spring to hurricane surges in late summer and early fall, almost every region has a “flood season” that can catch you off guard. While no home is entirely immune to water damage, you can take steps to reduce the impact—and that starts with understanding your risks, preparing your property, and having the right flood insurance in place.

Knowing When Flood Season Occurs in Different Regions

Flood season isn’t a one-size-fits-all event. Various parts of the United States experience peak flooding at different times due to factors like climate patterns, snowmelt, and hurricane activity.

Northern and Mountain Regions: In states with colder winters, springtime snowmelt can saturate the ground, creating a higher risk for overflowing rivers and creeks. Heavy rains during the transition from winter to spring can exacerbate these conditions, leading to flash floods and overflowing drainage systems.
Coastal States: Along the Gulf Coast and Atlantic seaboard, hurricane season ramps up in late summer and extends into early fall. Tropical storms and hurricanes can drive storm surges miles inland, flooding roads and neighborhoods that usually remain dry.
Southwest and West Coast: In desert regions, sudden bursts of intense rain—often referred to as “monsoon season”—can cause flash floods in normally dry washes or canyons. On the West Coast, heavy rains associated with atmospheric river events may occur in winter, overwhelming rivers and levees.

Knowing the typical flood season in your locale can help you time your preparations accordingly. This means ensuring your drainage systems are clear well before heavy rains arrive, double-checking your flood insurance policy before hurricane season peaks, or reinforcing your yard’s grading prior to spring snowmelt.

Determining Your Flood Risk Levels

Assessing your home’s risk of flooding helps you tailor protective measures to your specific situation. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides detailed flood maps that categorize areas into zones based on their likelihood of flooding over a certain time frame.

FEMA Flood Maps

These maps indicate 100-year flood zones (often called Special Flood Hazard Areas) and 500-year flood zones, among others. Properties in a 100-year flood zone have a 1% annual chance of experiencing flood conditions. While that may sound low, the probability accumulates significantly over the life of a mortgage.

Elevation Certificates

An elevation certificate outlines the relationship between your property’s lowest floor and the base flood elevation (BFE). If your lowest floor sits above the BFE, you could be eligible for lower flood insurance rates. Conversely, if your property is below the BFE, you’ll likely pay more due to heightened risk.

Local Flood History

Beyond official maps, consider your home’s past flood incidents. Has the basement flooded multiple times after heavy rains? Do nearby creeks or rivers tend to breach their banks? This real-world track record can sometimes be more telling than statistical projections.

Proactive Steps to Protect Your Property Before a Flood

There’s no foolproof way to stop floodwaters if a major disaster hits, but certain upgrades and maintenance tasks can significantly reduce potential damage. Making these changes now is far more cost-effective than dealing with a soaked foundation or destroyed drywall later.

1. Improve Yard Drainage and Landscaping

Regrade your yard or install drainage systems so water naturally flows away from the home. This might involve creating a gentle slope leading away from the foundation or adding French drains or swales to direct runoff. If you live in a storm-prone area, consider using porous materials for patios and walkways to help water absorb into the ground rather than pool.

2. Seal Foundation Cracks and Install Flood Barriers

Small cracks in your foundation can act as channels for water. Filling and sealing these gaps with waterproof compounds is a relatively simple DIY project—or you can hire a professional if more extensive repairs are needed. Some homeowners also place removable flood barriers at doorways, garages, or basement windows to block rising waters temporarily.

3. Elevate Appliances and Utilities

Placing washers, dryers, water heaters, and HVAC systems on raised platforms can keep them out of harm’s way. If your region consistently sees floodwaters above a certain level, move critical utilities to upper floors where feasible. You might also install backflow valves on your home’s sewer lines to prevent sewage backup.

Even the best-prepared home can sustain significant damage when floodwaters rise. McGhee offers free coverage reviews. We’ll see if your flood insurance matches your home’s actual risk profile—so you’re not left with a hefty repair bill.

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What to Do During a Flood Warning

When an official flood warning is issued, time is often limited, and your next steps can drastically affect the outcome. Don’t wait until the last minute to put your emergency plan into motion.

Move Valuables to Higher Ground: If you haven’t yet relocated electronics or sentimental items, do so immediately. Prioritize the most difficult items to replace, such as personal documents, photos, and high-value equipment.
Shut Off Utilities if Advised: In severe floods, local authorities may recommend shutting off electricity or gas to prevent hazards. Know where your home’s main switches and valves are located so you can act quickly.
Avoid Driving Through Flooded Roads: Just a few inches of moving water can sweep vehicles off the road, and the water might be deeper than it appears. If you need to evacuate, follow established routes and heed road closure signs.
Listen to Authorities: Stay tuned to local news or government channels for evacuation orders or updates. If you live in a known flood zone, be prepared to leave if conditions worsen.

Acting swiftly during a flood warning can minimize damage and keep you out of harm’s way. Each year, many flood-related injuries and fatalities occur simply because people underestimate the dangers of floodwaters.

The Importance of Flood Insurance and Coverage Considerations

You might assume a standard homeowners policy has you covered for any type of water damage, but that’s rarely the case. Most property insurance plans exclude flooding, which is why dedicated flood insurance is so important—especially for homes in moderate or high-risk zones.

NFIP vs. Private Flood Insurance

You can typically purchase coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), a government-backed initiative run by FEMA. While widely available, NFIP policies have coverage limits—$250,000 for residential structures and $100,000 for contents—that may not suffice for higher-value homes. Private flood insurers sometimes offer higher or more flexible limits, along with shorter waiting periods and tailored endorsements. Whether NFIP or private coverage suits you best depends on your home’s specific needs, your budget, and local availability.

Policy Waiting Period

NFIP policies typically come with a 30-day waiting period, meaning you can’t buy a policy in anticipation of a storm that’s just days away. Some private insurers have shorter waiting times—sometimes as little as two weeks—making it easier to quickly obtain coverage if you realize your risk level is higher than you thought.

Deductibles and Premiums

Your flood zone classification, property elevation, and past claims all factor into the cost of flood insurance. Higher deductibles can reduce your premium, but you’ll pay more out of pocket if you file a claim. Balancing affordability with realistic claim potential is essential: a low deductible might be convenient, but it also raises your annual expenses.

Guard Your Home With McGhee Insurance Agency

Don’t wait for the next storm to find out you’re underinsured or unprepared. McGhee Insurance Agency is ready to help you safeguard your home, so you can weather flood season with confidence.