Floods Archives - O'Connor Insurance Agency

What To Do After a Flood

March 24, 2019 Rachel V

This week was Flood Safety Awareness Week. Earlier this week we shared tips for preparing for flood season, but now we want to remind you of best practices once a flood occurs.

The most important things to remember is to NEVER drive through active flood waters – six inches of water can drastically affect how much control you have of your vehicle. Plus, you never really know how deep the water is, so you’re taking a huge gamble with your life.

Use clean water for everything. It may seem like common sense, but do not use flood water for any food preparation, cleaning, or especially drinking. This is where you use your emergency kit that you’ve prepared. Also, pay attention to boil orders and notifications before trusting tap water after floods.

Power your home safely. Make sure generators are 20 feet from doors, windows, or vents to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Pay attention to power cords near water – again, it may seem like common sense, but during disasters it is easy to forget the most basic things.

Clear debris. Wearing work gloves, throw anything away that was touched by flood water. The water is riddled with dangerous bacteria, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Any wet insulation, carpeting, or porous surfaces will need to be replaced. Make sure to take plenty of pictures, and contact your insurance agent as soon as you can.

Know how to clean safely. Again, wearing gloves, clean any walls, counters, or surfaces that don’t need to be replaced with a bleach solution (one cup bleach to five gallons water) and soap and clean water.

We hope you don’t have to use any of this information this spring, but it is always smart to be prepared for temperamental Missouri weather. If you are concerned about your flood insurance, please call us now – before a problem arises.

Preparing for Flood Season

March 15, 2019 Rachel V

Next week is Flood Safety Awareness Week, and we know how wet Missouri springs can get. More deaths occur as a result of flooding than thunderstorms, and as with many natural disasters, preparation can make all the difference. Before the rainy weather begins, let’s review what to do when flood warnings come on:

* Gather supplies. Have nonperishable food and plan for a gallon of water per person per day. FEMA suggests planning for at least three days. If you make your kit beforehand, make sure to check expiration dates – even store-bought water expires eventually.

* Charge your electronics. If you lose electricity, this can make the difference between being informed about current weather conditions, and being in the dark (pardon the pun). Consider buying a battery pack charger, many hold up to three whole phone charges.

* Check your immunizations. This is great advice and time of year, but make sure your tetanus shots are up to date. Floodwater is riddled with dangerous bacteria, and a simple cut can create a huge infection risk. Keep your record of immunizations handy in case of emergency.

* Secure your belongings. Bring outdoor furniture, grills, trash cans, and toys inside or tie them down securely. This not only ensures you won’t lose them, but floating debris can make roadways and floodwater more dangerous.

* Have an evacuation plan and know your coverage. Know what to do to get your house prepared for your absence – turn off the gas valve and main power switch to protect against electrical fires. Pay close attention to the news and weather, and evacuate if and when they say to do so. Many flood-related deaths occur because people drive through floodwater. Don’t be stubborn or “wait out the storm.” Call your insurance agent to review what coverage you have for floods BEFORE a flood occurs.

We hope this spring is all flowers and sunshine, but if it’s not, we want you to be prepared. Next week we will be talking about what to do after a flood.

Four Ways to Help Pets During Severe Weather

September 29, 2016 Karen O'Connor

You’ve got an emergency plan for your family in case extreme weather or a natural disaster forces you to live without power, or worse, evacuate your home. (If not, learn how to create one at Ready.gov/make-a-plan.) But, what about planning for your pets?

They’re likely to be frightened and in need of some special care. Here are four tips for helping your furry friends weather an emergency:

Set aside emergency pet supplies. Include bottled water, medications, vet records (a boarding facility may require them), a carrier, a blanket, food and a food dish, and other items, depending on your pets’ needs. Don’t forget newspapers in case they are unable to go outside to do their business. For particularly scared pets, investing in a Thunder Coat or doggie chill pills may save them unneeded stress.
Plan for their shelter. If the safest place for you during a severe storm is the basement, then that’s the safest place for your pets, too. Don’t leave them outside or corral too many pets into a small area. Even if they typically get along, the stress of the situation may cause them to act out.
Identify places to go in case of evacuation. Think of hotels that accept pets, or of friends and family who are nearby. Make a list of their phone numbers and addresses, as well as those of a local boarding facility in case you need to stay in a shelter that doesn’t allow pets. Work out a buddy system with neighbors to see that animals are evacuated in the event one of you is not home. Remember, dogs can’t sweat if the air conditioner is out, it means you and the family are sweaty, but for a dog, the heat could be more dangerous.
Don’t let pets roam freely, even after things calm down. Fences could be down, as well as power lines, and there could be other hazards on the ground. Pets may still be frightened enough to run off, so keep them close and keep an eye on them. Furthermore, changes in their environment and routine could cause them to act unexpectedly. For more specialized or larger pets, talk to your veterinarian about their needs during an emergency. And be sure all pets have proper identification. Your current phone number and/or address should be on their collars or tags, as well as on microchips. At O’Connor Insurance, we love our pets like family, so let’s keep them safe.

Emergency Contact Cards Can Help During a Crisis

May 17, 2016 Karen O'Connor

Here is a handy card we received from one of our vendors. Complete and put in your wallet or glove box. You may want to load the information into your cell phone, as well. Remember, though, cell phones may not work in a catastrophe, so having a hard copy with this information is still very important.

Spring Flood Prevention and Safety

May 10, 2016 Karen O'Connor

If living in the Midwest has taught you anything, it is that the weather can change in an instant – a gorgeous spring day can turn to risky storms in a matter of minutes. Even if you live in an area that you think isn’t at risk of flood damage, preparation is just as critical as with other types of emergencies.

Before we get into how you can prevent, limit or react to flooding, it’s important to note that flood damage is typically not covered by your homeowners or renters insurance. There are separate flood policies available to everyone, whether or not you live in a flood plain. If you do not live in a flood plain, the cost is much less. Your agent at O’Connor Insurance can provide a quote and discuss this with you. Just give us a call at 314.434.0038.

Preparing for a flood

The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends a number of steps to stay safe during emergencies and limit damage from flooding. You should:

Build an emergency kit for your family with 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, and practice that plan before an emergency (especially for families with younger children).
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.

Acting during 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 give you permission.

Coping after a flood

Flooding can cause emotional stress along with physical hazards, so be mindful of your own well being and temperament. After the flood clears, there are a few things to consider and resources available to you:

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 redcross.org.
If you have flood insurance, contact the claims center of your provider as soon as possible.

Flooding is one of the most common hazards in the U.S., both in the flood plains and out of them, as we sadly learned last December when record-breaking floods swept through the St. Louis area after 6-12″ rains. So make a plan for it. Don’t be caught off guard when the water level starts to rise.

Can Your Business Weather a Storm?

April 22, 2016

Storms and fires disrupt thousands of businesses every year. Although you can’t change the weather, you can minimize the effect of such disasters on your business.

You have to plan ahead, though. People don’t like to think about disasters, but if you develop a catastrophe plan now, you’ll be able to recover quickly from an emergency. And that could save your business.

The Insurance Information Institute has identified four key elements of catastrophe planning. First, minimize the damage before an emergency occurs. Limit storm-related damage by making sure your place of business conforms to building codes. Limit potential damage from fire by practicing fire safety measures and modernizing old wiring.

Second, develop a disaster recovery plan. Keep duplicate records, back up computerized files, and make an inventory of equipment you own or lease, including model and serial numbers. Compile a list of important phone numbers and addresses. Store these items off the premises.

Identify your critical business activities and what you will need to support them, so you can get back to business quickly. Find alternate facilities, equipment and supplies.

You need to know where you can rent computers of other equipment quickly. Think about how much space you will need, and where you can go. Write out your plan and keep a copy with your other duplicate records – off the premises.

Third, review your insurance program. Disasters can cost your business much more than the price of office equipment or a building. Consider the potential loss of income while your business is closed, or the additional expense of setting up shop temporarily somewhere else. Call your insurance agent for a detailed review of your policies to be sure there are no gaps in your coverage.

Fourth, review all the parts of your plan regularly and update it as needed. Be sure to share the plan with your employees. You’ll probably take a vacation sometime, and you never know when a disaster might strike.

Natural Disasters Don't Have to Mean Disasters for Homeowners

April 21, 2016

What if your home was devastated by a fire, wind or other natural disaster? Are you certain your insurance would cover enough of your home to rebuild at today’s construction costs?

Sure, thinking about the aftermath of a catastrophe is no fun, but consider the alternative. If you don’t plan ahead and consult with your insurance agent to make sure your home is adequately covered before the catastrophe strikes, you could find yourself having to pay $50,000, $100,000 or more to make up for shortcomings in your homeowner’s policy afterward.

Every insurer offers its own coverages, its own limits and its own pricing. That’s where an independent agent can help you…we can shop around for you and find the best and most comprehensive coverage for your money. Plus we have experience dealing with all sorts of claims, so we can advise you on what types of coverage best suit your needs.

Some suggestions to consider when evaluating your homeowner’s policy – some companies offer guaranteed replacement costs. This helps because the insurer promises to rebuild the home at today’s building costs. Also, you should take into account special features of your home like hardwood floors, a newly-renovated basement or a pool in the backyard, as well as all other improvements you have made over time.

Another tip – some insurance companies offer “ordinance-and-law” coverage at an additional cost. That means if your house is damaged, the new construction of the damaged portion of the home will meet current building ordinances in your area, even if the home wasn’t built that way initially. Without this coverage, some companies may only pay to rebuild your house the way it was, which in many instances may no longer be legal accordingly to current building and municipal codes.

There are many things you need to consider when you evaluate your homeowner’s policy to make sure you have the right coverage. When evaluated properly, your coverage will give you the peace of mind to know you won’t be left out in a storm after a disaster.

If you have questions about your homeowner’s policy, please call your independent insurance agent here at O’Connor Insurance Agency. Our number is 314-434-0038.

Come Back from Vacation to a Dry Home – Turn Off the Water

June 13, 2014 triplestrength

The scene must have been terrible. Our client had been out of town for just a few days, enjoying time with family and friends. They returned from the getaway to find their recently remodeled kitchen flooded. Even though they had a dishwasher that was only six months old, the water supply line had ruptured. Most of the cabinets under the sink were ruined, and a cascade of water flowed from the mess in the kitchen down a set of stairs, flooding a large part of their finished basement.

When we think of a flood, we think of raging rivers escaping their banks, but most floods are caused by water escaping the plumbing. We also think of pipes bursting in the winter, but even in the summer months, floods in your home or condo can happen.

The water damage can be exacerbated when the homeowner is away. In just a few days wood can be ruined and mold can form on wet surfaces. With a few simple steps you can prevent the damage when you are on vacation or on a trip.

Turn Off the Water – Before leaving on a vacation, turn your water off at the source. Knowing where your water shut-off valve is located is a good idea anyway.

In older homes, shut-off valves may not have aged very well. Consider having a corroded or hard to turn valve replaced by a licensed plumber. Being able to conveniently turn off your water supply with a modern valve will cost less than most homeowner’s insurance deductibles.

Inspect Supply Lines – Items such as toilets, sinks, dishwashers, icemakers and washing machines are supplied with water by either copper, pvc or flexible lines and hoses. Take a look at these supply lines and note any damage, particularly in the flexible lines. Make plans to replace any that are showing their age.

Flexible lines have a lifespan, and need periodic replacement. Check with your licensed plumber about switching out these lines, or even replacing them with more durable options.

Check Your Coverage – As part of your yearly review of your insurance policies, talk with your independent insurance agent about flood coverage, especially if you are a condominium unit owner. For condo owners, the condominium master policy affords a great deal of protection and you may only be responsible for its deductible, but things like personal belongings are not covered on the master policy, or perhaps updated flooring.

If you have any questions about your insurance, the independent agents of O’Connor Insurance are happy to talk with you about protecting your house or condominium. Call us at 314-434-0038.

Did You Budget For A Change In Weather?

March 12, 2014 triplestrength

The Insurance Information Institute posted $1.5 billion in insured losses so far this year due to the near-record snowfall and prolonged extreme cold weather throughout much of the United States. There have been more than 175,000 claims paid for losses such as burst pipes from freezing, ice dams on roofs, roof collapses, downed tree limbs and power lines. Still, the premium increases seem harsh to unsuspecting community associations.

Condominium and attached-home Master Insurance Policies have been taking big premium hits at renewal due to severe weather in our area – going back to before the Joplin tornado.

Weather across the nation has been severe this past winter with the Polar Vortex, and claim costs continue to rise. Insurance companies have paid out millions to replace roofs at just one association, which in turn affects pricing for other community associations.

That is what insurance is for, right? Not in our neighboring states. Just look west to Kansas and Oklahoma, where there are 1-2% Wind and Hail deductibles, where roof claims are settled on the depreciated value of the roofs rather than replacement cost. This might hit Missouri at some point, but right now the premiums seem to be the punishment for our storms.

On the bright side, most detached home subdivisions will not have to worry about large premium increases because they do not have much property to insure, other than a clubhouse or monument. However, the owners may have noticed higher individual homeowner premiums for the past three years.

Solutions are often sought by shopping for a lower-price insurance company. There are occasions when a better premium can be found, but be certain it is apples to apples comparable coverage with a quality insurance company. It is not the Board’s fiduciary responsibility to save money at the loss of protection.

Often, there is no good solution to offset premium increases. Associations shop their Master Policies only to find there is no other insurance company offering a better price for the same coverage. This means many Associations will breach their budgets.

While avoiding insurance premium increases altogether is most likely impossible, there are practices that can help.

A higher deductible will lower the premium and also serve to avoid small nuisance claims which could increase the premium next year. Proactive initiatives such as obtaining reserve studies and adhering to the results creates a well-maintained association. Roof replacement schedules will keep the structures sound and more resilient to the storms.

Have you considered the hail-resistant roofing systems? They cost about 20% more up front, but look down the road at the potential high wind and hail deductibles.

Understand that your original budget may not have anticipated the events that will impact pricing in 2014 and beyond. An additional assessment of your prior budget may leave you better prepared for pricing and deductible increases that may result from historically high property damage and resulting claim costs.

Prevent Floods in Your Vacant Property

February 20, 2014 triplestrength

Do you have a property that is vacant? A summer home, rental property that isn’t currently occupied, a commercial building awaiting renovation? Make sure it is bundled up for the cold weather!

With cold winter weather, there is always an uptick in floods, though not the rising river kind. Water lines can burst after freezing and thawing. In some areas, half the damage claims for property in a given year are due to water damage caused by situations like frozen pipes bursting.

Further, just because your property has not burst yet, does not mean it will not burst. Sometimes pipes are not broken the first time they freeze, but successive cycles of freezing and thawing serve to fatigue the pipe until it finally gives way, flooding your property.

Depending on your policy, you may have a responsibility to prevent burst pipes, and the steps you take or do not take can have an effect on your coverage. In some cases, if a property owner does not take appropriate steps to prevent burst pipes and floods, damages may be excluded leaving you with a much bigger bill for repairs.

Here are a few things to consider for your insured vacant property:

Disconnect all utilities and make sure that water pipes, tanks and lines have been drained.
Make sure buildings with the water on remain heated to well above freezing – such as 55 degrees or so.
Inspect your building weekly and check for any damage that might have occurred.

Your independent insurance agent at O’Connor Insurance is ready to review your policy and help you develop a plan that will protect your property and make sure in the event of a loss flood you a properly covered.