The Dowd Agencies

Archive for the ‘Flood’ Category

Hurricane Irene left hundreds of homeowners with flooding damange. WWLP recently interviewd John Dowd on what homeowners need to know about flood insurance.  Click here to view the story.

Water damage from naturally occurring floods and mechanical breakdowns cause extensive and catastrophic losses to homes every year. But there are numerous ways you can safeguard your home from these losses, including the following.

• Your home’s drainage system should be checked to verify that proper water drainage occurs. For example, gutter downspouts should extend the proper distance from the foundation.
• Your yard should be properly graded to slope away from your home to allow surface water to adequately drain. French drains can also assist in this process.
• A sump pump system should be considered in your basement to keep unwanted water out of this vulnerable part of your home.
• Periodically check your washing machine hoses since these hose failures cause millions of dollars of water losses each year. Hoses should be replaced at the first sign of wear. Consider upgrading to the heavy-duty wire mesh hoses or stainless steel hoses during this replacement.
• Ascertain the location of your main water shutoff valve. Water shut-off valves should be installed on water lines under toilets and sinks and water lines leading to outside faucets

Copyright 2010
International Risk Management Institute, Inc.

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is one of the few sources of insurance for flood-prone communities that include millions of American homes and businesses. The program of the Federal Emergency Management Agency deserves recognition for NFIP insurance being the great bargain that it is.

They list a few good reasons to purchase Flood Insurance.  To read more, click here.

Its A Good Time to Review Your Flood Insurance Policy

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) is pleased to support The National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration (NOAA)-sponsored 2008 National Flood Safety Awareness Week, March 17-21.

Floods threaten homes from coast to coast – and they can happen anytime, anywhere and without warning. The damage from a flood is not covered under a standard homeowners policy. Before snowmelt and spring rains bring the potential for flooding, the NAIC suggests all homeowners and renters review their flood insurance needs.

BOSTON – Throughout New England, residents are at risk for flooding during spring , the time of year when the warming sun and increased rainfall begin melting the winter snow pack, releasing its often high water content. The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) urges New England residents to be prepared.

Buying flood insurance can provide protection and peace of mind. Flooding is one of the most common natural hazards in the United States. State and federal officials want to ensure that all are aware of the benefits of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).  To see some common myths and misconceptions about flood insurance, click here.

FEMA for Kids is presented by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Go to http://www.fema.gov/ and click on Kids. Meet Herman the spokescrab and tag along on his search for a disaster-proof shell.  You’ll also meet Julia and Robbie, the Disaster Twins. Wherever these two go, trouble is sure to follow.  Watch brother and sister get into – and out of – all sorts of close calls, learning along the way how to be better prepared, or how to avoid danger altogether. 

The Web site shows disasters come in many shapes and sizes. Some are predictable — like a hurricane. Some, like a tornado, can surprise us. Leaning about the different kinds of disasters will help us all be better prepared. Learn the best way to keep safe, and keep your family and pets safe, as you do what you like to do best – have fun!

Dispelling myths about Flood Insurance from FEMA.