Buying Flood Insurance in St. Tammany Parish

1/28/2020 (Permalink)

The Census Bureau's report from 2017 estimates 256,327 people live in St. Tammany Parish. Over the past couple of decades, a steady population increase has warranted a surge in new development. Parts of the parish are met by Lake Pontchartrain and many other areas are home to our beautiful rivers and marsh land. According to the parish government website, "St Tammany Parish is subject to riverine flooding, ponding as a result of heavy rainfall, and flooding from tropical storm surge". In 2016, many areas around the cities of Baton Rouge and Covington experienced unprecedented flooding due to heavy rainfall and rising rivers. Some properties located in Special Flood Hazard Areas have now flooded multiple times. While St. Tammany Parish is less at risk of severe flooding as Orleans Parish or the handful of parishes closest to the Gulf of Mexico, residents should be aware of how to best protect their property in case of an emergency. If your home or business is located in a flood zone in St. Tammany Parish, then buying flood insurance would be a wise decision for you. Homeowners' insurance usually covers damages from wind and rain, but water damages from rising flood waters is only covered with a separate flood insurance policy. Because St. Tammany Parish participates in the National Flood Insurance Program, every home owner or business owner is eligible to purchase a separate flood insurance policy, even if their property has previously flooded. Following a flooding event, most materials in your home or business would need to be removed due to bacteria in the contaminated water. To remove and replace materials like drywall, flooring, cabinets, and appliances can be very costly. Just one inch of flood water can lead to restoration costs of up to $25,000. Flood insurance would help cover these costs and restore your property quickly. Every policy differs in expense based on several factors, but in the end paying for a flood insurance policy is well worth it. To learn more about flood insurance contact your local insurance agent or go to www.floodsmart.gov.