Flood Insurance On A Mountain?

Posted on 01/04/2011 by Ken Peck
Tagged with disaster, flood, homeowners insurance, Insurance, mountains

Why on earth would someone living on a mountain want to purchase flood insurance?

One word – snow!

• If you have 6″ of snow covering 1,000 square feet of your roof, if it melts it will produce about 1,750 gallons of water.
• Snow accumulating on the ground next to your house can melt and seep in causing water damage and a wet basement.
• Snowmelt flooding in the mountains occur when the snow starts to melt and the resulting water begins to flow because the ground is still frozen and cannot absorb the melted snow.
• Snowmelt flooding is worsened by rains falling over the mountain snow adding to the water that flows into the creeks and rivers.

So here’s what you do to protect your family and property from the dangers of snowmelt.

1. Buy flood insurance now because there is a 30 day waiting period before a policy can take effect.
2. Make sure that downspouts carry water several feet from your house to a well drained area.
3. Move snow on the ground away from the house at least 3-5 feet.
4. If you have a sump pump keep it clean and make sure you have your discharge hose carry the water several feet away from your house. Remember to keep the pipe on a slope to keep it from freezing.
5. Remove show from your yard to a well drained area to minimize soft, wet soil conditions.
6. Anchor any fuel tanks. An unanchored tank can be torn away by flood waters and contaminate the area.
7. Have a licensed electrician raise the electric components about 12″ above your home’s projected flood elevation.
8. Place the furnace and water heater on masonry blocks or concrete at least 12″ above your home’s projected flood elevation.
9. If you keep your washer and dryer in your basement, place them on masonry blocks at least 12″ above your home’s projected flood elevation.
10. Plan and practice a flood evacuation route with your family.
11. Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to be a contact person in case your family is separated during a flood. Make sure everyone in your family knows the name, address, and phone number of this person.