Your Guide to Staying Safe During a Flash Flood

Flash floods can happen very quickly and with little or no warning. Know how to stay safe!

There is no way to deny that El Nino is here. With the recent storms that drenched Southern California, there has never been a better time to ensure you are ready for whatever Mother Nature has in store for the rest of the storm system. One of the most important steps you can take is to create a plan of how to handle a flash flood. This guide to floods and your insurance coverage can help to keep you safe when the water starts rising.

If a flash flood watch is issued, it does not mean that a flood is currently happening. It simply means that the conditions are right for a flash flood to occur. During a flash flood watch, listen for any weather updates and emergency instructions. You should also have a plan of where to go if a flash flood does occur.

A flash flood warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or is currently happening. During a flood warning, you should get to higher ground and listen to your TV or radio to find out if you need to evacuate. If you are at home, unplug all electrical appliances and turn off gas and electricity at the main source. If you are driving, avoid driving through flood waters, even if they look shallow. Water that is deeper than 2 feet can easily sweep your car away.

Keep in mind that your home insurance policy will not provide any coverage for damage that is done during a flood; only a flood insurance policy will. For all of your insurance coverage needs to keep you safe and dry this El Nino, contact Stromsoe Insurance Agency. We will work with you to ensure you have the coverage that you deserve, all at the right price to fit your budget.

Halloween Horrors Covered by Your Homeowners Insurance

Your homeowners insurance will protect you from Halloween home mishaps.

Halloween is one of the best nights of the year for children! Unfortunately, this playful, mischievous manner could turn into mayhem when a trick-or-treater trips or your jack-o’-lantern is knocked over.

Fortunately, you can cackle your way through this night as most homeowners insurance policies cover these nightmare situations!

  • Tricksters damage your home: Standard homeowners policies cover vandalism when repair costs exceed your deductible.
  • Candles cause a fire: Fires caused by a jack-o’-lantern candle or a string of ghost lights will be covered. If you are unable to live in your home because of damages, your homeowners insurance will also pay for your additional living expenses.
  • Trick-or-treating trauma: Injuries caused to children or their parents are covered by the homeowner liability portion of your policy.
  • Car crash: If you crash your car by to avoid hitting a trick-or-treater (it happens more than you think!), the accident would be covered by the collision portion of your auto insurance. If anyone is hurt, your liability protection will take care of that.

Luckily, with proper insurance, you will have coverage throughout all Halloween misfortunes! That being said, you can reduce the likelihood of an accident by ensuring all paths to the house are clear, double-checking that there is sufficient lighting, and not lighting any open flames.

Visit Stromsoe Insurance Agency to put the necessary insurance in California in place before Halloween night. We promise no tricks in our insurance policies!