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         U.S. Department of Homeland Security - Federal Emergency Management Agency - National Flood Insurance Program

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      Buying a Policy
          
                                	
			      Buying a Policy
        
    
              Why Buy Flood Insurance
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              Types of Flood Insurance
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			      Renewing a Policy
        
    
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              Flood Risks and Costs
          
                                	
			      Flood Risks and Costs
        
    
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              Before and After a Flood
          
                                	
			      Before and After a Flood
        
    
              Steps to Prepare for Flooding
              How Do I Start My Flood Claim?
              Document Damage and Start Clean Up
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              Understanding Coverage Decisions
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          How Do I Start My Flood Claim?
          Document Damage and Start Clean Up
          Disaster Response
          Appeal Your Flood Claim
          Understanding Coverage Decisions
          Reducing Future Flood DamageWhat to do before a flood
  Take steps to protect your home, family, and financial security throughout the year, and take extra precautions when flooding is predicted in your area.

**The best way to protect your home and belongings from flood damage is to purchase flood insurance** – don’t let your hard work be washed away.

Here are a few steps you and your family can take to be ready for flooding:
              Get flood insurance.
      Most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. Do an annual “insurance check-up” with your agent to make sure you have the right coverage and amounts of coverage.

				 
  Know your flood risk.
      Look up your address in the Flood Map Service Center to learn if you live, work, or travel in areas that are prone to flooding.

				 
  Take a household inventory.
      Take photos and videos of all major household items and valuables. Retain these documents in a safe place because they are important when filing insurance claims.

				 
  Store important documents.
      Save copies of birth certificates, passports, medical records, and insurance papers in a safe, dry place. Keep original documents in a watertight safety deposit box.
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							Did you know?
      
								 
            When flooding is imminent or predicted, National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policyholders are eligible to receive up to $1,000 to purchase loss avoidance supplies like tarps, sandbags, and more.
              Steps to minimize your flood losses

**Minimize your potential losses** from flooding by taking the following steps:
              Elevate and anchor utilities.
      Elevate and anchor your critical utilities, including electrical panels, propane tanks, sockets, wiring, appliances, and heating systems.

				 
  Waterproof your basement.
      Install a water alarm and maintain a working sump pump to protect your basement. Install a battery-operated backup pump in case of power failure.

				 
  Clear debris from gutters.
      Make sure that you clear any debris from gutters and downspouts to avoid an accumulation of water.

				 
  Elevate or move your furniture.
      When flooding is predicted or imminent, move furniture and valuables to a safe place, such as an attic or the highest floor of your home.
              When flooding is imminent – take care of your physical safety

When a flood is imminent or occurring,**your first priority should be the physical safety of you, your loved ones, and your pets**.

Stay alert by monitoring the local news and weather reports and sign up for emergency alerts. Have a communication plan ready in the event of a power outage.

Additional resources for protecting your home

Protecting Manufactured Homes from Floods and Other Hazards Resources for policyholders living in manufactured (mobile) home.
	Protecting Building Utilities from Flood Damage Information on protecting critical utilities, like water heaters and HVAC systems, from flood damage.
	Reducing Flood Risk to Residential Buildings that Cannot be Elevated Mitigation options for homes that cannot be elevated.


**Did you know?**
 Looking for more flood preparedness tips? Visit Ready.gov to learn more.


FEMA | National Flood Insurance Program
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