Petition seeks more time to file Hurricane Matthew-related flood insurance claims

Flood Insurance Claim Deadlines should extend..

Similar to Sandy and other storms it should be expected that deadlines to file flood claims post Matthew will be extended.  Given the devastation and that people may just be returning to their homes now it is reasonable to expect this.  Even if you aren’t sure you have claim, you should make a claim now.  Water damage from flooding often goes undetected and shows up later in time.

Petition seeks more time to file Hurricane Matthew-related flood insurance claims

A plaintiffs attorney has launched a petition drive urging the Federal Emergency Management Agency to extend the deadline for homeowners to …
Google Plus Facebook Twitter Flag as irrelevant

Flood Insurance Maps Are Changing!

Flood Insurance Maps Are Changing!

As FEMA releases new flood maps thousands of homeowners will now zoned in flood areas.  Some never thought they would be in a flood zone, but 100 year storm analysis shows they could, can and mostly like will be hit by a flood at some point in time.  Many homeowners feel this is unfair because they never had a flood and if they have a mortgage, they will now be required to purchase flood insurance.

Below are links to stories of some of the most recent changes.  The following considerations should be made by these towns when building new, first is to build more than just 2 feet above the base flood elevation.  This will ensure long term protection an lower flood insurance rates. Second new permits for additions and updates to homes should have flood proofing considerations.

For homeowners the key thing is to be grandfathered into the flood insurance program to get lower flood insurance rates. Suggest getting a policy now.  Consider higher deductibles to lower the cost and if you are skeptical then obtain an elevation certificate which may show your main floor well above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE)

Image result for flood maps

Diaz-Balart urges FEMA to adopt new flood maps

The current flood maps zoned Clewiston into a higher risk flood zone, crippling the community with much higher flood insurance premiums. In early …
Google Plus Facebook Twitter Flag as irrelevant

 

Changes coming to FEMA maps for flooding in Norfolk

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Flood maps have been redrawn for the City of Norfolk. So, do you need to buy flood insurance? FEMA has given Norfolk …
Google Plus Facebook Twitter Flag as irrelevant

Myrtle Beach flooding: ‘heart-breaking’

Socastee flooding: ‘Not just heart-breaking, it’s shocking’

Phil Stone hauls in sand bags on a boat to shore up the entrance of his home in the Rosewood community of Socastee on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2016. A section of the community was under evacuation on Saturday as the water continues to rise. The Waccamaw River feeds into the Intracoastal Waterway south of the community.
Myrtle Beach Flooding
West has been in the neighborhood for five years, and doesn’t have flood insurance. “They said you didn’t need flood insurance,” he said.

“Last year they claimed it was a 1,000-year flood. I guess this is the 1,001-year flood. Gordon West”

Read more here: http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/news/local/article108565947.html#storylink=cpy

“They said you didn’t need flood insurance. But if I leave here, even if I move on a mountain I’m gonna have flood insurance. Gordon West”

Read more here: http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/news/local/article108565947.html#storylink=cpy
Wow a call to flood insurance.
If you think you didn’t need the coverage, guess again. If the words here are not strong enough, see the pictures which are heartbreaking.

“I wanted to start my own life so when this house became available in my mom’s eyes, she offered it, and I went through all the headache and the process of getting a loan, and doing all the paper work and procedures,” he said. “We spent seven months alone just dealing with that. We moved in May, and here we are in October. And this is what’s left.”

Read more here: http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/news/local/article108565947.html#storylink=cpy
The options for Gordon West are an SBA Loan, FEMA Disaster Assistance, and possible a state program.  If none of these can be obtained, local charities through the Red Cross and religious charities may help fill the gap.
Our heart goes out to Gordon West, he story is all too familiar.