Flood season has arrived. Here’s what to do if your home is impacted

The 2022–2023 flood season has already arrived in Washington state.

Flooding season has already arrived in Western Washington and some residents have already started the process of recovering and repairing their damaged homes.

We’ve previously covered how the costs of flooding exceed all other natural disasters in Washington state. In any given year, there’s more than an 80% chance of at least 10 flood events occurring, according to the Department of Ecology.

Here’s more information on what to do next if you — and your home — weathers a flood.

Filing a claim:

• All storm surge and ground water flooding is excluded on a homeowners policy. Most Washington residents with flood coverage are insured through the National Flood Insurance Program. You can follow the NFIP’s steps to start filing your claim.
• If you purchased additional coverage with a private flood insurance policy or endorsement, immediately contact your insurer or agent to get your claim started.
• Report damage to your county’s emergency management team. Check your county’s website for contact information or visit this Statewide Emergency Management Contacts list.

Here’s a few more tips to keep in mind if your home has been flooded:

• Check for structural damage before re-entering your home (or business). Flood-damaged buildings can collapse.
• Be cautious about gas leaks or energized wiring in flooded basements.
• Even if you didn’t have flood insurance, you may qualify for some federal emergency grants or loans.

If you have flood coverage and have filed a claim:

• Create a “claim diary” with dates and notes of events.
• Take photos or video of the damage. Make a list of lost or damaged items.
• Save receipts from any mitigation efforts (sandbags, pumps, etc.) for possible insurer reimbursement.
• Save the receipts from any temporary repairs, temporary housing, food, etc.
• Talk to your insurer before making permanent repairs or disposing of damaged property.
• If you have to move, make sure your insurer or agent has a way to reach you.

If you don’t have flood insurance — even if you don’t live in a flood hazard zone — consider getting a policy. Both private and NFIP policies have a waiting period before they can take effect and protect you from losses, but there is a plenty of flood season left in 2023.