3 Things You Should Know About the Risk of Flooding After a Fire

7/11/2019 (Permalink)

The Risk of Flooding After Fires

After a flood, fires often occur. It can be helpful to learn about the risk of flooding after fires and to know how FEMA NFIP (the Federal Emergency Management Agency's National Flood Insurance Program) can help to protect your home in Valley Brook, OK, from flooding after wildfire damage.

1. Why Do Floods Often Occur After Wildfires?

Floods often occur during the warmer months of the year. Likewise, wildfires are more prone to occur in the heat of summer, especially in an arid environment. When a fire occurs, the landscape in an area changes dramatically, and fires can cause the majority of plant life in an area to temporarily disappear. When heavy rainfall occurs, lack of plant life in the affected area allows water to flow more easily, which ultimately makes a flood more likely to occur.

2. Why Does Flood Insurance Matter?

Though a wildfire may not affect your home, flooding damage that occurs after the fire can devastate your home. However, general homeowner's insurance policies often don't cover damage from flooding. Purchasing separate flood insurance can help to keep your home protected if a flood does occur. FEMA NFIP is often a good option for homeowners since the agency offers flood insurance at affordable rates.

3. What Can You Do To Prepare Your Home for the Effects of a Flood?

There are several ways you can prepare yourself and your home for flooding. It can be helpful to make an emergency escape plan in case a flood occurs with little warning. Backing up valuable documents is also often beneficial, as you may need to access important paperwork after a flood. Additionally, it can be wise to keep contact information on hand for an emergency service restoration company in case you quickly need to begin restoration to your home.

Preparing your home in Valley Brook, OK, for disaster is often important. Understanding why floods occur after wildfires, how FEMA NFIP can help keep your home safe and what you can do to decrease the likelihood of your home from being affected by a fire, can help you feel more prepared for disaster.