Bracing for South Carolina’s Devastating Floods

South Carolina Rain Fall Totals

The rain just keeps coming in South Carolina. According to a CNN report, Gov Nikki Haley recently claimed, “We are at a 1,000-year level of rain,” which means that there is a 1 in 1,000 chance of this much rain happening in any given year.

The record setting rainfall has dropped 24 inches of rain in Mount Pleasant, 18 inches in the Gills Creek area and roughly 20 inches in Charleston. All of this rain has led to flash flood warnings being issued all around the state.

President Obama has declared a statewide emergency, which has mobilized federal aid. The Governor recently announced that 600 National Guardsmen have been deployed to help with evacuating people and rescuing those caught by the rising waters.

A total of eight swift water rescue teams and 11 aircraft were operating in the state and help was being sent from nearby states, North Carolina, Tennessee and Florida.

The weather is still a danger with the National Weather Service forecasting, “catastrophic flash flooding” over the next 24 hours. Unfortunately, the floods have already proven deadly with five deaths reported on the roads of South Carolina.

How to Stay Safe on the Roads

Finding yourself caught on a flooded road can be a harrowing experience. The following tips should help you stay safe in a flooded area:

• Never drive through rushing waters, even if they appear to be shallow. It only takes 12 inches of flowing water to move a small car.
• Take an alternative route if the road is covered with water, waterlogged roads are prone to collapse.
• Water cannot only stall your engine, it can cause irreparable to the vehicle. This is especially true if saltwater has flooded the streets.
• If you do end up driving your vehicle through water that is up to your rims or higher, test the brakes at a slow speed, they may not be functioning properly. Pressing lightly on the brake pedal while maintaining a slow speed can help the brakes dry out.
• If the vehicle stalls and cannot be restarted, immediately abandon the car for higher ground. If the door will not open, go out the window. If you are unable to get out of the car, call 911.

The best strategy is to stay at home and off the streets. Water damage can seriously affect the performance and resale value of your car.

Flood Insurance for Your Home

Your car isn’t the only thing that can be damaged during flooding. Flood damage to your house can be expensive and a standard homeowners policy will not cover floodwater damage.

If your home is in a flood zone, or you feel there is a danger of flood damage, a flood policy is a necessity. Flood policies are backed by the National Flood Insurance Program but are sold by standard insurers. You can call us or request a home insurance quote today and we can also provide the best flood insurance quotes available to you. We are available to answer any questions you have about flood insurance, costs involved and flood zones.

There are restrictions when it comes to the National Flood Insurance Program. The coverage levels top out at $350,000 for your home and goods. Additional coverage can be purchased in the private market but coverage can be expensive.

If the worst happens, here are a few tips for making a claim on a flood insurance policy:

• Contact your insurer as soon as possible after experiencing flood damage. You will need your policy number along with a phone number where you can be reached. If you have not heard from an adjuster within a few days, call back.
• Document all of your phone calls. Keep track of the name and title of the person you spoke with as well as the general topics of discussion.
• Damage needs to be documented as well. Take photos of all of your damaged property, even items that have to be discarded. Also take photos of the standing water levels.
• Make a list of damaged or lost property and if possible include receipts, the date of purchase and the store where you purchased the item.
• Keeping an updated home inventory before a flood strikes is the best option. There are numerous apps that can streamline this process.