Flash flood warnings have been on the rise on Long Island. Calls flood the Tango, Tango & Tango offices with questions not only about flood insurance, but also what in the world are flash floods. We figured it was time to give a little overview about flash flooding.
Flash flooding on Long Island
Long Islanders always assume living in coastal communities along Long Island’s beaches is the riskiest place for flooding. Yes, it’s risky to live on the coast, but flooding happens all over Long Island. As the climate changes, so does our weather, and flash flooding is on the rise.
What’s flash flooding?
Flash flooding is when rain comes down so quickly the ground cannot absorb all of the water fast enough. Usually this happens because the ground is so dry, it can’t absorb the rain. Or, when the soil is so saturated, there’s just no chance more water can absorb. It’s also a huge issue in urban areas, because there’s pavement and cement everywhere and no soil and land for the water to soak into. It just overwhelms sewers, sumps or whatever drainage system is in your Long Island town.
What should home owners do during a flash flood warning?
First thing: move anything valuable from lower floors up to higher floors. Second, if your home is in the path of a major flash flood warning, the safest thing to do is turn off your electric, along with your furnace, gas, water…. And move to the highest floor of your home to stay safe.
Speak to your insurance agent
Flood insurance isn’t something you can purchase “right before a flood” or “after a flood has happened” and you’re covered. Flood insurance must be purchased at least 30 days prior to a flood happening in your home. Your standard home owner’s insurance policy, which is required when purchasing a home if you need a mortgage, does NOT cover floods.
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peak to your insurance agent about the home, and its location, and see if your new place would benefit from a flood insurance policy. It’s best to have a professional Long Island-based insurance agent sussing these things out. Tango Insurance Agents are well-versed in all flood insurance, and know Long Island better than someone answering calls at an 800 number you saw on a television commercial.