{"id":3315,"date":"2019-08-23T12:25:35","date_gmt":"2019-08-23T16:25:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.greatflorida.com\/?p=3315"},"modified":"2026-07-06T18:52:48","modified_gmt":"2026-07-06T22:52:48","slug":"protect-your-home-from-flooding","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/2019\/protect-your-home-from-flooding\/","title":{"rendered":"Protect Your Home from Flooding"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><!-- gf-reformat:v1 --><\/p>\n<p>Heavy rain across Florida this summer has led to flooding in some areas. \u201cFlooding is the most common and costly disaster in the U.S.,\u201d says <a _blank=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/dustyns\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Dustyn Shroff<\/a>, Vice President of <a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">GreatFlorida Insurance<\/a>, Florida\u2019s largest independent <a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/florida-homeowners-insurance\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">homeowners insurance<\/a> agency.<\/p>\n<p>There are several ways to minimize flood damage to your home without breaking the bank.<\/p>\n<div class=\"gf-takeaways\"><p class=\"gf-takeaways__title\"><strong>Key Takeaways<\/strong><\/p><ul><li>Flooding is the most common and costliest disaster in the U.S., requiring separate insurance.<\/li><li>One inch of water causes over $25,000 in damage; standard homeowners policy excludes flood damage.<\/li><li>20 percent of flood claims come from areas considered low flood risk, not just high-risk zones.<\/li><li>Maintain gutters, seal foundation cracks, and elevate utilities at least one foot above flood level.<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n<div class=\"gf-cta gf-cta-top\"><span class=\"gf-cta__lead\">Shopping for Florida Homeowners Insurance?<\/span><a class=\"gf-cta__button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com?utm_source=blog&#038;utm_medium=cta&#038;utm_campaign=protect-your-home-from-flooding&#038;utm_content=top\">Get a Free Quote<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ready.gov\/floods\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><img alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3323 lazyload\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 182px) 100vw, 182px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Basement_Flood_Infographic-182x300.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Basement_Flood_Infographic-182x300.jpg 182w, https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Basement_Flood_Infographic-150x247.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Basement_Flood_Infographic-768x1265.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Basement_Flood_Infographic.jpg 622w\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"300\" sizes=\"(max-width: 182px) 100vw, 182px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Basement_Flood_Infographic-182x300.jpg 182w, https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Basement_Flood_Infographic-150x247.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Basement_Flood_Infographic-768x1265.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Basement_Flood_Infographic.jpg 622w\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 182px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 182\/300;\" width=\"182\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>Check<br \/>\nyour landscaping<\/strong> <\/p>\n<p>Routinely clean and maintain gutters, downspouts and<br \/>\nsplashpads so rainwater flows away from your home.<\/p>\n<p>Clear debris from your drainage ditches and storm drains.<\/p>\n<p>Connect a rain barrel to your gutter downspouts to collect<br \/>\nrunoff from the roof.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Seal<br \/>\nFoundation Cracks<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Close any foundation cracks with mortar and masonry caulk or<br \/>\nhydraulic cement, which expands and fills gaps completely.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Elevate<br \/>\nyour Possessions<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If you have a second floor or attic, moving your belongings to<br \/>\nhigher ground will protect them. <\/p>\n<p><a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/msc.fema.gov\/portal\/home\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">The Federal Emergency Management Agency<\/a> (FEMA) recommends raising and anchoring service equipment and appliances such as air conditioning units, water heaters, heat pumps and water meters at least one foot above the highest known flood level for your area.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Prevent<br \/>\nSewer Backups <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Sewer or septic line check valves allow waste to flow only one<br \/>\nway. Hire a licensed plumber to install them and plan to spend $100 or more per<br \/>\nvalve unless, you can do it yourself. This will prevent floodwater and<br \/>\nwastewater from backing up into your home through toilets, sinks and other<br \/>\ndrains. As a last resort, use stoppers or plugs to close-up showers, tubs and<br \/>\nsinks.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Buy flood<br \/>\ninsurance.<\/strong> <\/p>\n<p>Flooding is not covered under your standard <a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/florida-homeowners-insurance\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">homeowners insurance<\/a> policy. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cJust one inch of water can cause more than $25,000 worth of damage to your home,\u201d says <a _blank=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/dustyns\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Dustyn Shroff<\/a>, Vice President of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\">GreatFlorida Insurance<\/a>, Florida\u2019s largest independent <a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/florida-homeowners-insurance\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">homeowners insurance<\/a> agency.<\/p>\n<p>20 percent of claims come from places where the flood risk is<br \/>\nconsidered low.<\/p>\n<p>To keep your family safe during a disaster, the <a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.redcross.org\/get-help\/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies\/types-of-emergencies\/flood.html\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">American Red Cross<\/a> also recommends having an evacuation plan set, along with supplies before a storm is headed your way.<\/p>\n<p>While the following measures can help reduce potential flood damage, they cannot eliminate all flood risks. <a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/florida-flood-insurance\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Flood insurance<\/a> is a vital part of your mitigation strategy. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\">GreatFlorida Insurance<\/a> currently provides <a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/florida-flood-insurance\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">flood insurance<\/a> through the <a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/florida-flood-insurance\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">National Flood Insurance Policy.<\/a> Visit our <a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">website<\/a> today.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/florida-flood-insurance\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3198 lazyload\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 482px) 100vw, 482px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/flood.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/flood.jpg 482w, https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/flood-300x128.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/flood-150x64.jpg 150w\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"206\" sizes=\"(max-width: 482px) 100vw, 482px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/flood.jpg 482w, https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/flood-300x128.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/flood-150x64.jpg 150w\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 482px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 482\/206;\" width=\"482\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"gf-cta gf-cta-end\"><p class=\"gf-cta__headline\">Ready to save on Florida Homeowners Insurance?<\/p><p class=\"gf-cta__sub\">GreatFlorida Insurance Agents compare rates from Florida's best carriers for you.<\/p><a class=\"gf-cta__button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com?utm_source=blog&#038;utm_medium=cta&#038;utm_campaign=protect-your-home-from-flooding&#038;utm_content=end\">Get a Free Quote<\/a><p class=\"gf-cta__phone-line\">Or call <a href=\"tel:8884787801\" class=\"gf-cta__phone\">888.478.7801<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Heavy rain across Florida this summer has led to flooding in some areas. \u201cFlooding is the most common and costly disaster in the U.S.,\u201d says Dustyn Shroff, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida\u2019s largest independent homeowners insurance agency. There are several ways to minimize flood damage to your home without breaking the bank. Check your [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1219,"featured_media":3321,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"tdm_status":"","tdm_grid_status":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[30,3,4,6,1,13,5,8,82,9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3315","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-flood-insurance","category-auto-insurance","category-boat-insurance","category-commercial-insurance","category-floridainsurance","category-healthcare-insurance","category-homeowners-insurance","category-renters-insurance","category-rv-insurance","category-umbrella-insurance"],"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3315","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1219"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3315"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3315\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14801,"href":"https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3315\/revisions\/14801"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3321"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3315"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3315"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3315"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}