A year of heavy rainfall can be dangerous to a home in many ways. Something you may not know is that damage to a home from runoff, and river or lake overflow, is something specifically excluded by most home insurance policies. To cover this type of loss the National FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) Flood Insurance program was enacted. If you have a Flood Insurance Policy and need to make a claim, along with your policy number, here are some numbers you should keep handy:
To report a claim:
1-800-54-STORM (1-800-547-8676)
To obtain information regarding an existing claim:
1-888-202-3716
If you do not have Flood Insurance already, unfortunately now is not the time. FEMA has a mandatory waiting period of 30 days for all new applications. Even without insurance, there are things you can do to prepare yourself and your family.
In cooperation with the Fairbanks North Star Borough Emergency Operations Department we have the following suggestions:
Assemble a Supply Kit Containing:
A First Aid Kit
Canned Food (don't forget the can opener!)
Bottled Water
Rubber Boots and Gloves
Battery Powered Radio, Flashlights and plenty of extra batteries
Find an emergency evacuation location. These may include a friend's home, a motel, or a local shelter.
Avoid traveling through areas which have been issued Flood Warnings. Roads can sustain severe damage and may have closure periods, which can cause you to be cut off from your home and resources. Wet, or submerged roads, can also be a serious driving hazard. Even at a low rate of speed a vehicle can easily loss control.
Have emergency contact information on you. In the event of serious injury this will help local authorizes and hospitals to obtain necessary medial information.
Inform both a local and an out of town friend or relative (preferably one on your emergency contact list) of your emergency plan, including your evacuation location. If you, or a family member (especially a child) goes missing, this information could be vital.
For more information regarding current Flood Warnings and affected areas please use this link....
http://co.fairbanks.ak.us/EmergencyOperations/default.htm