In the United States Floods cause more damage to property than any other natural disaster. There are many areas of the country where the structures of homes are not strong enough to withstand flooding. Florida is prone to floods. If you live in Florida you must take precautions to protect life and your property from flood damage.
There is a misconception that when you bought your house and were told you were not required by your lender to carry flood insurance you to think your home is not in a floodplain. The insurance requirements by lenders is decided by floodplains and how often a particular area floods. In Wellington for instance we are in a 100 year flood plain. That means it is estimated that Wellington itself would flood every 100 years. But that does not mean that is true and it does not mean that a certain part of a street would not flood.
It is strongly urged that you get flood insurance now. DO IT TODAY! Call your insurance agent and add on a flood policy to your homeowners insurance policy. Your homeowners insurance policy DOES NOT include Flood insurance unless you specifically added it on to your policy. Please check you policy right now. It is not that much to add on Flood insurance.
It costs us $400 per year and the policy is governed by National Flood Insurance Program. You will receive a statement that you must sign accepting this policy. Remember if we get hit with a hurricane and you get flooded, your windstorm policy does not cover the flood damage! In Wellington, FEMA and The NFIP and Wellington officials have grouped together to make sure that every resident of Wellington Florida is able to get flood insurance.
There is a 30 day waiting period from the time you pay for your policy to the time it takes effect so please do not wait until a storm is on its' way before you apply. It may be too late.
Wetland areas and buffers next to streams help reduce flooding because the floodwaters spread out over these areas and reduces the volume of the water going to property. We must be responsible citizens and protect our natural areas and wetlands to help reduce serious flooding.
FLOOD SAFETY MEASURES
- Protect yourself from flood hazards and ensure the safety and your life and property before, during and after a flood.
- Drowning is the number one cause of death during flooding. Currents that flow can make you lose your balance even if in water that is only 6 inches deep. Do not underestimate the power of water. Do not walk in flowing water. Use a stick or broom handle to check the depth in standing water before you move through it.
- Do NOT drive in flooded areas. Remember that bridges may be washed away. Do not assume that everything is still the same. People drown in their cars more than anywhere else.
- Stay away from power lines and all electrical wires. The second leading cause of death after drowning is getting electrocuted.
- Report Down Wires to Florida Power and Light or to the Sheriff's Department right away.
- Elevate Furniture above flood levels.
- Seal sewer lines to prevent the backwash from coming into your home.
- Sand bag your area to reduce damage.
- Maintain your drains around your streets. Do not wait for the town to come by and do it. Remove grass clippings and leaves from areas that need to flow so you don't create a flood. Keep all debris out of storm water drainage systems.
If you are planning to do any restructuring of your property you will need to make sure you are complying with all the new flood prevention codes. See your town's Permitting department to make sure you are abiding by all the new rules.
In the case of flooding emergencies in Wellington Florida you can tune to Radio 1680 A.M.
TV Channel 18
Here are a list of other emergency numbers you can print out and hang up on your refrigerator:
Florida Power and Light 561-697-8000
Palm Beach County Emergency Management 561-712-6400
Canal dumping and obstructions 561-791-4003 For Wellington Residents
Public Works 561-791-4003 For Wellington Residents
American Red Cross 561-833-7711 For Palm Beach County
Animal Care and Control 561-233-1200 For Palm Beach County
If you suspect illegal floodplain development call 561-753-2430 For Wellington Residents
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Copyright © 2007 By Katerina Gasset, All Rights Reserved
Photo courtesy of the State Of Florida My Florida
The material herein may not be copied, reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed or published. All rights reserved. Plagiarism will be detected and is punishable by law. Flood information and prevention
Contact Nestor and Katerina Gasset for all your Wellington Florida Real Estate Needs at 561-753-0135.
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