Free IBHS Resources Available to Help Effectively Minimize Flood Damage

Tampa, Fla. (PRWEB) March 14, 2012

In recognition of National Flood Safety Awareness Week (March 12 16) the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) is providing free guidance to help property owners lower their risk of flood damage.

Average flood losses cost $ 48,000 for homeowners and $ 85,000 for commercial property owners, according to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). It is important to note that different types of flooding may occur at particular building sites. In inland areas, away from a river bed or behind a levee, the greatest risk at this time of year typically is rising water due to snow melt or heavy rains associated with thunderstorms. Later in the year, additional risk comes from hurricanes, which can bring flooding to areas along the coast and much farther inland, as demonstrated last year by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee.

Every year, severe flooding happens in both expected and unexpected places, notes Julie Rochman, IBHS president and CEO. Taking steps to prepare a property now, before disaster strikes, can effectively reduce damage and speed a familys or business operations recovery.

The first step toward increasing flood safety for any property owner is evaluating their respective flood risk. To that end, knowing the base flood elevation (BFE) of your property is essential; BFE is the level water will reach during a base flood. A base flood, often referred to as a 100-year event has a one percent annual chance of occurring in any given year.

Property owners should fully understand the flood exposure at their location. This can be done by comparing the finished floor elevation with the most up-to-date flood map for that particular area. Community Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are available through the FEMA Map Service Center website, FEMA Map Service Center. Tips and step-by-step instruction are available at the IBHS website.

Property owners also should check building department records or the property survey for the elevation of the structures lowest floor or enclosed area in the building including any space below ground level on all sides (e.g., a basement). If this information cannot be found, a licensed surveyor could be hired to make that determination.

IBHS recommends that homeowners take the following steps now, before a flood, to reduce interior water damage:

Free IBHS Resources Available to Help Effectively Minimize Flood Damage