Current:Home > InvestToo late for flood insurance? How to get ready for a looming tropical storm -Blueprint Money Mastery
Too late for flood insurance? How to get ready for a looming tropical storm
View
Date:2025-04-14 17:56:32
A strengthening tropical cyclone could hit Florida as a hurricane in the coming hours, brining with it major flooding risk along the southeastern U.S.
Whether it makes landfall as a tropical storm or hurricane — or deviates from the current forecast path — millions of people in the south will face risks from wind, rain, flooding and possible tornadoes. Stormy weather could knock out power for days.
“Now is that time to prepare,” Brandon Buckingham, an AccuWeather meteorologist, told USA TODAY. “You don’t want to be caught off-guard or act too late.”
Here's what to know:
Is it too late to get flood insurance?
Yes — for this storm.
The National Flood Insurance Program said federal policies generally take 30 days to take effect. That isn’t enough time for this storm hitting in just hours, but it’s good to get ready for the next storm. Flooding can cost tens of thousands of dollars with just an inch of water. Not everyone qualifies for the federal flood insurance program, though most people who have coverage use the federal program. Home and business owners and renters in certain federally designated flood-prone communities can obtain insurance for the next disaster.
There's also private flood insurance, which could get coverage within 30 days and cover more damages. But there are drawbacks in covering certain properties and rates.
Why should I care about storm surge?
A storm surge warning is in effect across hundreds of miles of Florida’s coastline, the hurricane center said. This means there’s a threat of life-threatening rising water moving inland from the coast.
About half of deaths from hurricanes happen from storm surge, the hurricane center has said. Coastal areas on the East Coast and Gulf of Mexico have increased risk of storm surge.
Read more:Storm surge tops list of hurricane dangers
Should I evacuate?
Pay close attention to warnings and alerts from officials, Buckingham, of AccuWeather, said. People should know their evacuation zones, especially if they live near the coast. If orders are issued, act on them.
Florida evacuation orders are tracked online by the Florida Division of Emergency Management.
Before the danger arrives, it’s important to have a plan in place, including knowing evacuation routes. To err on the side of caution, you don’t have to wait for orders or warnings. Leaving during the day Saturday or early Sunday, before conditions deteriorate, doesn’t hurt, Buckingham added.
What should I buy from the store?
It’s important to have plenty of drinking water and non-perishable food in case you lose power. Having cash on hand also can help in the event of widespread outages for days after the storm has passed.
The Red Cross recommends a stay-home kit with at least two weeks of supplies, given that stores and pharmacies could be shuttered for days. For people on the move, to-go kits should contain three days of supplies.
Also, have gas cans ready for generators with an outage. But don’t run generators in the garage or enclosed areas. Generators produce toxic, colorless and odorless carbon monoxide from combustion.
Carbon monoxide deaths often increase after natural disasters, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Instead, place generators outside, at least 20 feet from open windows or doors.
What if the power goes out?
Along with having food, water and gas, FEMA also recommends:
- Keep freezers and refrigerators closed.
- Make a plan to refrigerate medicines and power medical devices.
- Unplug appliances and electronics to avoid electrical surges damaging items.
- Keep cellphones and electronic devices charged before a power outage.
- If it’s safe to do so, go to another location to keep warm or cool.
Jeanine Santucci and Anthony Robledo of USA TODAY contributed to this report.
veryGood! (972)
Related
- Why we love Bear Pond Books, a ski town bookstore with a French bulldog 'Staff Pup'
- NFL Week 1 injury report: Updates on Justin Herbert, Hollywood Brown, more
- Suspect in custody after series of shootings left multiple people injured along I-5 near Seattle
- Online fundraiser for Matthew Gaudreau’s widow raises more than $500K as the sports world mourns
- Selena Gomez's "Weird Uncles" Steve Martin and Martin Short React to Her Engagement
- Republicans were right: Zuckerberg admits Biden administration censored your Facebook feed
- NASA says 'pulsing sound' inside Boeing Starliner has stopped, won't impact slated return
- Emma Navarro reaches her first major semifinal, beats Paula Badosa at the US Open
- Taylor Swift Eras Archive site launches on singer's 35th birthday. What is it?
- Tennis Player Yulia Putintseva Apologizes for Behavior Towards Ball Girl at US Open Amid Criticism
Ranking
- Louvre will undergo expansion and restoration project, Macron says
- Tamra Judge’s Mom Roasts Her Over Her Post Cosmetic Procedure Look on Her Birthday
- 1 person dead following shooting at New York City's West Indian Day Parade, police say
- 'The Bachelorette' ex who made surprise appearance said show left out 'juicy' interview
- Could your smelly farts help science?
- Trial expected to focus on shooter’s competency in 2021 Colorado supermarket massacre
- Trump says he’ll vote to uphold Florida abortion ban after seeming to signal he’d support repeal
- Florida State upset by Boston College at home, Seminoles fall to 0-2 to start season
Recommendation
Why Sean "Diddy" Combs Is Being Given a Laptop in Jail Amid Witness Intimidation Fears
Alabama man charged with murder in gas station shooting deaths of 3 near Birmingham
Coast Guard, Navy team up for daring rescue of mother, daughter and pets near Hawaii
SpaceX Falcon 9 is no longer grounded: What that means for Polaris Dawn launch
Buckingham Palace staff under investigation for 'bar brawl'
When is 'The Bachelorette' finale? Date, time, finalists, where to watch Jenn Tran's big decision
South Carolina Is Considered a Model for ‘Managed Retreat’ From Coastal Areas Threatened by Climate Change
3 missing in Connecticut town after boating accident