Be aware that your homeowners and renters insurance do not cover damage from flooding. To protect your home, be sure to understand the risk of flooding and what your insurance options are. If your home is near a stream or in a flood zone, you should consider flood insurance to protect yourself.

• Keep inventory of your personal possessions, backed up with photos and/or video. This will assist in filing an insurance claim in the aftermath of flood or storm damage.
• Keep the documentation in a waterproof container stored as high as possible and away from rising water. You should also put a backup copy on an electronic file, or in a safe deposit box or other secure remote location.

• Move expensive items to a safer location, such as a higher level in your home and purchase a battery-powered sump pump to quickly pump water out of your home.
• Keep your roof gutters clean and inspect your downspouts to make sure they drain properly. Make sure the water is directed well away from your house foundation to prevent erosion or ponding.

• Document any property damage for your insurer by taking photos or video before making any repairs. Digital photos taken with your smartphone can be stored electronically and easily copied and transferred.

Take these proactive measures to protect your home and possessions before a storm hits!