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Flood Preparation, Reaction, & Coping Tips – DeKok Insurance Group

April 9, 2014 By Jon DeKok

Joy and I took a ride to Lake City, MN the other day. On our way, we noticed the water was high and moving fast in a couple of the little towns we drove through. Yesterday, in one of the fields near Pine Island, where the river crossed its banks slightly, the water had receded. Although we live on what might be called “high ground,” we’ve been flooded in a couple of times when the main roads we drive was covered in flood waters.

Almost anywhere it rains, it can flood. Even if you live in an area of that you think isn’t at risk, preparation is just as important as with other types of emergencies.

Before we get into how you can prepare for, react to, and cope after flooding, it’s important to note that flood damage is typically not covered by your homeowners or renters insurance. There are specialized flood insurance programs that I can discuss with you. Just contact me at 507-226-8121 or [email protected] for more information.

Preparing for a flood

The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends a number of steps to stay safe during emergencies and limit damage from flooding. The first two tips will benefit you in any type of emergency.

Build an emergency kit for your family containing such items as drinking water and nonperishable food for each member of your family (two-week supply), flashlights, a radio, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, necessary medications, personal hygiene items and copies of important documents.
Create a communication plan so family members can reach one another.
Elevate your furnace, water heater and electric panel in your home if live in an area with a high flood risk.
Consider installing “check valves” to prevent floodwater from backing up into the drains of your home.
If possible, construct barriers to stop floodwater from entering your home and seal basement walls with waterproofing compounds.

I think it’s also important to be sure you have your cell phone and charger/s with you. If you lose power, and can get to you vehicle, you can recharge the phone there.

Reacting to a flood

If a flood is likely in your area, quick action may be necessary to protect your family and property. You should:

Get information from the radio or television.
Move immediately to higher ground if there is any possibility of a flash flood. Do not wait for instructions to move.
If you need to evacuate, secure your home and move essential items to an upper floor. Turn off utilities if instructed to do so, and disconnect electrical appliances. However, do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
Do not walk through moving water — it can make you fall. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
Do not drive into flooded areas. If you are caught in your vehicle in floodwater, abandon your car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely.
If you have evacuated your home, do not return until authorities tell you it is safe.

Coping after a flood

Flooding can cause emotional stress along with physical hazards, so be mindful of the well-being of you and your family during the aftermath.

Floodwater can be contaminated by oil, gasoline or sewage, so avoid contact as much as possible.
Make sure your city’s water supply is safe to drink.
Clean and disinfect everything that was in contact with floodwater.

The Red Cross has a free book available called “Repairing Your Flooded Home,” which contains useful information as you clean up. It’s available at www.redcross.org. Of course, don’t hesitate to contact us as well — we’re ready to help!

If you have flood insurance, contact the claims center of your provider as soon as possible. That information is with your policy.

Flooding is one of the most common hazards in the U.S. Being prepared for any emergency is crucial for the safety of you and your family. Don’t be caught off guard!

Jon

Email: [email protected]

Phone 507-226-8121

DeKok Insurance Group, Inc. Referral Program: When you tell your family and friends about your positive experience with my agency, and they call for a quote, I’ll send YOU a $20 gift card.

[tweetthis]Flood Preparation, & Reaction. #FloodInsurance[/tweetthis]

Graphic purchased from Fotolia and used with permission. © swa182 – Fotolia.com

Home Inventory

March 5, 2014 By Jon DeKok

This buffet was my Mom’s and Joy’s dad gave her these typewriters – they are valuable to us. This photo would give us a place to start replacement if a catastrophic event happened at our home. Insurance can’t replace the emotional attachment we have to them, but we agree, it would be nice to physically replace them should a loss occur.

Why a Home Inventory Is Important

Let’s try a little exercise: Can you list everything you own from memory? I can’t either.

The fact is most people own more things than they realize. It’s easy to remember the cars, the computer, the TV. But what about that holiday china in the garage? Or every pair of shoes? Or at our house, Joy’s books.

All of it is regarded as personal property for insurance purposes. And if your home is destroyed by fire or some other disaster, having a list of your possessions makes filing a claim easier — and helps you put your life back together – faster.

Why should I complete a home inventory? What’s the best way?

Comparing the value of your belongings to the “contents” limit listed in your policy helps you make sure you have enough insurance to replace them if they are lost, stolen or destroyed as a result of a covered loss. The easiest way to take an inventory is to use a video camera, recording and describing items as you walk through your house. Or, you can use a regular camera and create a home inventory checklist.

Here are a few tips for completing and storing your inventory:

Use video or photographs – if you use video, you can use your voice to describe the items as you go.
Add brand names and descriptions where you can, especially on large-ticket items. Serial numbers are helpful to note.
Keep any receipts you have with the list to make the claims process easier.
Store your video or photo inventory offsite so you won’t lose it if your house is damaged.
Update your personal property records when you purchase new furnishings and valuables.

Though the task may seem daunting, it’s important to try. An incomplete inventory is better than nothing at all.

How much insurance do I need?

I can assist you in analyzing your insurance needs and help you decide how to most effectively protect your personal property. You may want to consider full-value coverage, which will pay for the replacement value of your personal belongings. A standard policy typically covers personal property only up to its actual cash value, determined by taking the replacement cost and deducting depreciation, which can be substantial. (For example, a 5-year-old TV is usually worth much less than what it would cost to purchase a new one.)

Finally, remember your homeowners policy covers valuable items such as jewelry, furs, art and antiques, only up to set dollar amounts. If the cost of replacing them exceeds these limits, you may want to purchase scheduled personal property coverage.

The Insurance Information Institute has a FREE online tool that can help you create your inventory. Just visit www.knowyourstuff.org for more details.

I hope you’ll never need the home inventory, but preparing for the worst can prevent a lot of hassle later!

By the way, I have a question for you: If I could save you a substantial amount of money on your home and auto insurance, would you be interested in a quote? If your answer is yes, call me at 507-226-8121 or email me at [email protected] and let me know.

Jon

DeKok Insurance Group, Inc. Referral Program: When you tell your family and friends about your positive experience with my agency, and they call for a quote, I’ll send YOU a $20 gift card.

[tweetthis]Why should I complete a home inventory? #HomeInsurance #MNInsurance[/tweetthis]

[tweetthis]How much insurance do I need? #HomeInsurance #IndependentAgent #MNInsurance[/tweetthis]

MetLife Auto & Home

November 9, 2011 By Jon DeKok

One of the companies I represent is MetLife Home and Auto. It’s possible when I work up quotes for you, they will come in with the best policies and prices. As a consumer, it’s nice to know a little bit about the company who is covering your property.

In 1863, a group of New York City business men organized the National Union Life and Limb Insurance company. They started selling policies to Civil War sailors and soldiers to protect against wartime disabilities. In 1868, the company changed from a casualty business to focus on life insurance. They named their new endeavor, Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. By 1879, they began selling industrial insurance door to door. These person to person meetings were so successful, that in 1909 Met Life had the largest number of life insurance in force in North America. They retain that position today.

They are now a global company with more than 90 million customers in more than 50 countries.

I work directly with MetLife Auto and Home and here is some information about their GrandProtect package: (They have others and when you call for a quote, I’ll see which would be the best policy/policies at the best price/prices for you.)

GrandProtect^®personal insurance protection in one convenient package, with features that meet your asset protection needs and simplifies your complex insurance needs, including your home valuable items, autos, RVs, and boats, by offering one comprehensive policy package.

A GrandProtect policy may be right for you if you’re seeking:

A higher level of coverage that goes beyond our standard policies
Comprehensive protection for your property in one policy package
One deductible for any one loss, even if more than one type of property is
damaged(ask me about these details)
Simplicity of one bill for your personal insurance needs
All of your personal insurance written by one provider: MetLife Auto & Home

Call (507-226-8121) or email ([email protected]) to find out if a MetLife Auto and Home policy is the right policy at the right price for you.

Jon

DeKok Insurance Group, Inc. Referral Program: When you tell your family and friends about your positive experience with my agency, and they call for a quote, I’ll send YOU a $20 Target gift card.

[tweetthis]Metlife Home & Auto #MetLife #GrandProtect[/tweetthis]