Governor Maura Healey has declared September 2024 as Emergency Preparedness Month to highlight the importance of emergency preparedness and to encourage planning for disasters and other types of emergencies.
The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), and other state, local, and nonprofit agencies will promote preparedness through various public outreach efforts throughout the month. These efforts are part of a month-long national campaign themed “This is why I prepare.” The goal is to personalize the reasons why local leaders and officials prepare for emergencies while encouraging others to do the same.
Our first topic to share is flood preparation! FEMA has the following tips to assist homeowners in preparing for floods and understanding insurance requirements and/or coverage.
According to FEMA: The best way to protect your home and belongings from flood damage is to purchase flood insurance – don’t let your hard work be washed away. Here are a few tips they suggest you follow to be ready for flooding:
- Get flood insurance: Most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. Do an annual “insurance check-up” with your agent to make sure you have the right coverage and amounts of coverage.
- Know your flood risk: Look up your address in the Flood Map Service Center to learn if you live, work, or travel in areas that are prone to flooding.
- Take a household inventory: Take photos and videos of all major household items and valuables. Retain these documents in a safe place because they are important when filing insurance claims.
- Store important documents: Save copies of birth certificates, passports, medical records, and insurance papers in a safe, dry place. Keep original documents in a watertight safety deposit box.
Have questions about floodplains or having trouble reviewing your property on the Flood Map Service Center? Reach out to the Conservation Agent, who acts as our local Floodplain Administrator, Melissa Danza at mdanza@southboroughma.com or 508-281-8984.