HomeMy WebLinkAboutCityofEdinaFloodResilienceFactSheets-03-24-2020_For renters and condo ownersFor more information on flood resilience, contact the Engineering Department at 952-826-0371.
Even if you don’t own a home, your property may be at risk during a flood. Below are some simple steps you can take to reduce
that risk.
Actions for Flood Resilient Homes:
Reducing Risk as a Renter or Condo Owner
Consider buying flood insurance
It’s important to know that your regular renter’s insurance
policy does not cover flooding. But, flood insurance is
available for renters and condo owners through the
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The policy covers
your personal property and contents during a flood. It
does not include “loss-of-use” coverage or any additional
expenses caused by a flood.
Flood insurance premiums are based on a number of factors
including flood risk, year of building construction, building
occupancy, the number of floors, the location of your
contents, and the deductible and amount of coverage you
choose. Even if you live in a low-to-moderate risk area, it’s
worth considering flood insurance. According to the NFIP,
nearly 26 percent of all flood claims occur in these areas.
Also, you may be eligible for a “preferred risk policy,” which
carries the lowest premiums. The cost for renters’ flood
insurance generally ranges from $150 to $900 per year.
Though flood insurance is provided by the NFIP and
prices are set by the NFIP, it is sold by private insurance
companies. Contact your insurance agent to find out
whether they can provide coverage. If not, call the NFIP at
800-427-4661 to request an agent referral.
If you decide to buy insurance, don’t wait for the next
storm. There’s typically a 30-day waiting period between
when the policy is purchased and when coverage applies.
Consider the low spaces—including
underground garages
If you have personal items in the basement or garage, put
them in covered, plastic containers and store them on
shelving—off the floor. Similarly, don’t leave valuables in
your car if flood waters are predicted.
Get the facts
First, find out if the building where you live is in a high-risk flood area. You can check by going to the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) website https://msc.fema.gov/portal/search and entering your address. It’s also helpful to
know what steps your landlord/association has taken to decrease the building’s exposure and vulnerability. Here are some
questions you might ask:
• Does the building structure have flood insurance? This may be important because it could influence your landlord’s ability
to recover following a flood—and your ability to continue living in the property.
• Has the landlord/association taken flood resilience measures (wet floodproofing, dry floodproofing)?
• Is there a sump pump in the building? Is there a sewer backflow prevention device? This is particularly important if you
store personal items in the basement of the building.
• In the event flood waters are predicted, is there available above-ground storage?
• In the event of an impending flood will the landlord/association be responsible for sandbagging? If not, will you be allowed
to sandbag? (See City factsheet on sandbagging for more information.)
Helpful websites
https://www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program/How-Buy-Flood-
Insurance
https://www.policygenius.com/renters-insurance/what-renters-need-to-know-
about-flood-insurance/
Floodwater
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