WARNING: How FloodSmart are YOU?

Floods are the #1 natural disaster in the United States.

Why Care About Flooding
Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States. From 2003 to 2012, total flood insurance claims averaged nearly $4 billion per year. In high-risk areas, there is at least a 1 in 4 chance of flooding during a 30-year mortgage. However, losses due to flooding are not covered under typical homeowner's and business insurance policies.

Causes of Flooding

• Hurricanes and tropical storms cause floods that can create far more damage than high winds.
• Nor'easters, or extra-tropical cyclones, also cause flooding and storm surge.
• Heavy rains, winter storms, and spring thaws bring flooding to river basins.
• Overburdened or clogged drainage systems lead to property damage both within and outside floodplains.
• Construction and new development affect natural drainage and create new flood risks.

Determine your Flood Risk at FloodSmart.gov
Is your property in a high risk or moderate- to low-risk area? Knowing your flood profile will help you understand your risk of financial loss.

Find out your relative flood risk right now online at FloodSmart.gov's "Assess Your Risk". Simply enter your property address to see your relative risk, find links to flood maps, and other flood insurance community resources.

Flood maps determine your level of risk. You can also view current flood maps at FEMA's Map Store located at www.store.msc.fema.gov. FEMA is also undertaking a nationwide effort to produce new digitized flood maps for hundreds of communities over the next five years. These new maps will reflect changes in floodplains caused by new development and natural forces.

News for Low-Risk Properties

Expanded, Lower-cost Coverage
A Preferred Risk Policy provides both building and contents coverage for properties in moderate- to low-risk areas for one low-price. Contents-only PRPs are available for renters and business owners who lease their buildings. Ask an insurance agent for details.

Other Flood Precautions People Should Take
Being FloodSmart includes protecting your property before floods occur. Be sure that major appliances, electric switchboxes, outlets and heating equipment are well above potential flood levels. Install floating drain plugs and sewer system backflow valves to help prevent flood drain overflow.

Find Out More About Flood Insurance
Flood insurance is offered through the National Flood Insurance Program, which provides federally backed protection against flood losses. To find out more, call your insurance agent, contact the NFIP at 1-800-427-2419 to find a nearby agent, or visit www.FloodSmart.gov.

Flooding happens anywhere at any time!

Contact NFIP Flood Certified Agency, Southern Insurance Associates today at 706-996-8788 or Info [at] SouthernInsuranceAssociates [dot] com to discuss your flood risk and get a free, no obligation flood insurance quote for GA, AL, TN and SC.

We look forward to hearing from you and how we can help!