When looking for the perfect family home, worries about flooding and mudslides may not be at the top of your list of concerns, but taking that type of thing seriously may save you a lot time, money, and heartache.
Flooding and mudslides occur all over the United States, and being prepared for them is definitely beneficial. Living in a flood zone doesn’t necessarily mean you will always have flooding, but it does mean you are at a much higher risk than other areas, and mudslides and landslides can happen just about anywhere. So, with that being said, our team at Insurance Center Associates is ready to give you the 4-1-1 when it comes to being prepared these natural disasters.
What Causes Mudslides?
Anything from intense rainfall to rapid snowmelt can trigger a mudslide on steep or sloped terrains. Mudslides typically occur when large amounts of water rapidly enter the ground, creating a surge of water-soaked earth, rock, and debris that quickly erodes. The water mixed with soil liquefies and starts to move downhill, and can do so quickly.
In fact, mudslides have been known to move up to 50 miles an hour, so they can be extremely dangerous and cause some serious damage. When you think of mud, you most likely thick and gooey, but mudslides are so saturated with water that they are more like floods.
What Causes Flooding?
Flooding occurs every time there is more rain or water than drainage systems can handle, and is most common when rivers or streams begin to overflow. Whether there’s an hour of intense rain or several days of steady, light rain, flooding can be the result.
Being Prepared
By now you are probably wondering how you could ever be prepared for a disaster such as these, and the truth is that you really don’t have much control of the outcome. However, there are things you can do to protect your family as well as prevent damage to your property.
Mudslides
You most likely know if you live in an area where previous mudslides have occurred. If this is the case, take the time to meet with a landscape professional who can help make adjustments to your property in order to better protect it. You should also take pictures and/or video of your property before any actual damage occurs.
Other precautions include being aware of heavy rainfall, keeping your phone charged with emergency contacts stored, keeping up with local emergency/evacuation plans, and listening to your local authorities. Another great idea is to have a fully-stock emergency kit somewhere that you can quickly grab if necessary.
Floods
When it comes to preparing for floods, make sure your sump-pump is fully functional. Having a battery-operated backup in place as well as a water alarm is also a great idea. Make sure to clean out all debris from your downspouts and gutters as well. Any electrical components need to be moved higher—or at least 12 inches above the projected flood level. The same principle holds true for protecting washers and dryers, water heaters, furnaces, furniture, and any valuables in your possession. If flooding is a real concern, you should also consider being prepared with sandbags to protect your property as well.
Finally, being prepared with the right type of insurance is crucial. Find out what your current coverage includes and if you should change or upgrade. Whether you live in a flood zone or an area that is prone to mudslides and/or landslides, we suggest talking to an agent who knows the area well and can give you the right information about the appropriate types of insurance for your needs.
Contact Us Today!
If you’d like to discuss insurance options for your area or would simply like to check on coverage, click here to contact us at Insurance Center Associates. Or if you’d like to speak with someone directly, please feel free to give us a call today at 310-832-5311. We’re happy to help!