Flooding remains as the number one natural disaster in the United States, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Floods can be caused by coastal storms, rain, storm surges or water system overflows and can cause damage and destruction within seconds, causing billions in recovery, restoration and rebuilding every year.
FEMA conducted an annual nationwide study of flood risk awareness between 2010 and 2013 and reported that “only 10 percent of those surveyed said that they believed their residences were at risk of flooding”. Floods can happen anytime and anywhere, so there is a need to be aware of your community’s flood risk to prepare ahead in case a flooding event is to happen in your neighborhood.
What is FEMA's High Water Mark Initiative?
- FEMA's High Water Mark Initiative, also called HWM Initiative, is an awareness program based in communities which is designed to increase a community's awareness about its flood risks and provide instructions on how to make these risks less severe.
- The HWM Initiative also includes resources and tools for community leaders, emergency personnel, local officials and FEMA entities to provide information about floods to local citizens.
- Members of the community who are part of the HWM Initiative take part in (1) determining and agreeing to specific actions of mitigation, (2) informing individuals about high-profile flood locations by posting HWM signs throughout the community, and (3) sharing details about protecting individuals, their families and their properties from floods.
What is Your Flood Risk?
- Zones are designated at a low, moderate or high risk of flooding.
- The FEMA Flood Service Map Center is a helpful tool which determines your area's flood risk to help you prepare for flooding events in your area.
- Residents in areas with a high risk of flooding, such as Florida, must take sufficient preparations especially this hurricane season to effectively protect their property from hurricane and flood damage.
Will My Homeowners Insurance Cover Flood Damage?
- Basic homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage, so it's best to secure a separate coverage for floods.
- Flood insurance is available to homeowners through the National Flood Insurance Program, or you can visit the website of Floodsmart.gov to get an estimate of the pricing for flood insurance for your geographic location/address.
Contact a Professional for Flood Damage Restoration Today
While the HWM Initiative aims to help communities reduce their risk of floods, accidents still happen. ServiceMaster by Wright is available at (239) 431-9947 for your flood damage emergency in:
- LaBelle
- Lehigh Acres
- Longboat Key
- Englewood
- Marco Island
- Naples
- North Port
- Port Charlotte
- Punta Gorda
- San Carlos Park
- Sanibel Island
- Sarasota
- Siesta Key
- Venice
You may also schedule an appointment by connecting with us online.
- We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
- We offer a FREE inspection and estimate for both residential and commercial properties.
- Our main office is located in 6451 Arc Way, Fort Myers, FL 33966, but you can check our website for the addresses of our other offices in Southwest Florida.
