Hurricane Preparations
What can I do to protect my home and family from a hurricane?
Is my city at risk?
Has a disaster been declared for my area?
I don’t have flood insurance, but doesn’t my homeowners insurance cover this?
How do I file a flood insurance claim?
How can I tell what caused the damage to my property?
What is Increased Cost of Compliance?

Don't see your question? Go to the NFIP’s Answers to Questions

What can I do to protect my home and family from a hurricane?
Besides insuring your property, there are things you can do to minimize potential loss to your home and ensure your family's safety.

• Develop a Family Plan (PDF 32KB)
• Create a Disaster Supply Kit (PDF 44KB)
• Have a Place to Go (PDF 36KB)
• Secure Your Home
• Make a Pet Plan (PDF 44KB)
• Prepare for the Possibility of a Flood
• Make sure any photos or videos of all of your important possessions are in a safe place. These documents will help you file an accurate and comprehensive flood insurance claim.
• Store important documents and irreplaceable personal objects (such as photographs) where they won't get damaged. If major flooding is expected in your area, consider putting them in a storage facility.

Remember to talk to your insurance agent if you have questions or would like additional information.

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Is my city at risk?
Nearly every year since 1851, at least one hurricane has reached the United States. During an active hurricane season, an average of two to four hurricanes make landfall on the continental U.S. Hurricane-related flooding ahs occurred as far as 600 miles inland. Although any coastal area is at risk, certain cities are particularly vulnerable and may have incurred losses even higher than those incurred when Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans.

Has a disaster been declared for my area?
Check the FEMA disaster declarations page for the latest information.

I don’t have flood insurance, but doesn’t my homeowners insurance cover this?
Most homeowners insurance does NOT cover damage or losses from flooding. Some damage to your property may have been caused by something other than flooding. Look at your policy and see your homeowners insurance agent for more information about what types of damage are covered by your policy.

How do I file a flood insurance claim?
Read the simple steps about how to file a claim For in-depth answers regarding claims and the flood insurance claims process, please read the Flood Insurance Claims handbook.

How can I tell what caused the damage to my property?
Flooding is defined as rising waters. Damage caused by falling water and wind is not considered flood damage. Please talk to your flood insurance agent and/or your homeowners insurance company for more information about what is covered under your policy. Use the Flood Insurance Claims handbook as a reference.

What is Increased Cost of Compliance?
If your home or business is damaged by a flood, you may be required to meet certain building requirements in your community to reduce future flood damage. To help with these costs, the NFIP includes Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) coverage for all eligible properties insured under the Standard Flood Insurance Policy. Read more about ICC.

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