LESSONS FROM SANDY

            Hurricane Sandy clearly brought home the utter devastation that comes with flooding. Another important reality for those actually affected is the fact that an estimated 70 percent of the homes that endured water damage due to Sandy were not insured against flooding. Homeowners insurance does not cover flooding, but many people assume that they do not need flood insurance (provided by the government) because they are not in a high-risk zone. However, according to the National Flood Insurance Program, about one-quarter of water-related claims come from low- to moderate-risk areas. If there is any question in a homeowner’s mind, he or she should contact the city planning commission to check the local flood map. 

NOTE: At the very least, homeowners with home elevations within a few feet of potential flood levels should purchase flood insurance.