I got nailed Friday by the latest wave of flu sweeping the country, and spent most of the weekend feeling like death warmed up. It hasn't improved much, so I haven't had the time or mental capacity to sort through likely memes for Monday. I'll do my best to have an improved crop next week.
However, I do want to make an urgent suggestion for those in the path of the increased winter precipitation forecast for the Super El Nino scheduled to hit us over the next few months. I did some research. It looks as if rainfall in large parts of the South will be much heavier than usual, possibly causing flooding in areas that have not previously been at risk for it. Add to that danger the rapid expansion of suburban construction: for example, we have a new subdivision going up within a mile of us, and uphill from us at that. All the rain that falls on its roofs, concrete, roads, etc. will no longer have all that empty land for a runoff. Instead, it's going to head downhill . . . towards us.
My wife and I got on the phone to our insurers and discussed options. FEMA's flood insurance isn't available everywhere, and is pretty basic - no cover for contents of your dwelling, outbuildings, etc. and restrictions on total coverage. Flood insurance through private insurers can be much more comprehensive, but is also more expensive, depending how much coverage you want. We ended up spending well over what FEMA would have cost us, but with much better coverage. Premiums have to be paid in advance, which can be an unpleasant hit to one's wallet. Also, FEMA makes you wait thirty days from the policy being issued before it takes effect; private insurers usually only make you wait a week. If you're looking for flood insurance at the last minute, that's something to bear in mind.
At any rate, I just thought I'd pass on this "heads up" warning to my readers. I suspect some of us are going to need it over the next six months or so . . .
Peter
Locally, a small community that ballooned with new home buyers has fought the problem created when a bigger understanding of drainage wasn't known. Old timers knew how areas flooded during wet events, shook their heads when the new homes were built, and now watch as the city leaders muddle about and try for grant money to improve drainage.
ReplyDeleteDue to hurricane Harvey, the availability of funds from FEMA have a stipulation that those that want future consideration for help have flood insurance. I have a feeling many didn't quite understand the importance, or crossed their fingers in the hope there won't be another major flood. Some may find their property is basically worthless, don't have the funds to repair, and the final result will be another piece of property sold at a tax auction.
For those parts of the country in which this will be a snow event, consider a medium sized generator, even if you have gas or propane heat. Newer heaters need some electric to function at all, though not as much as for AC or electric heat. Look at the run time per gallon, and have enough fuel available to keep from freezing at night. Also maybe a countertop propane burner to heat food and coffee. Must have coffee !!!
ReplyDeleteJohn in Indy
If you want some interesting El Nino information, query an AI, asking it to integrate the latest NWS forecast information with data from your local weather service office.
ReplyDeleteConsider some landscaping changes, I did some fairly minor grade changing around the house and a decorative 18" wall and planter on the side yard the water was going to come from. Diverted the flow around the house so while we still had issues we didn't have water backing up a foot deep on that side of the house like most of the neighbors did.
ReplyDeleteEven a few used railroad ties set deep and tied together can divert a lot of water and do it without being ugly or busting the budget.
Two houses were built on a lot next to us in a seasonal wetland. The trucks of fill dirt came for days. Now, when it rains Florida style we get ponding water, and have had our detached shop flooded twice. The county doesn't care, they want the tax ratables. I also added flood insurance to our home, fairly reasonable since we aren't yet in a FEMA flood zone. Short-sighted gov't.
ReplyDeleteHigh, dry, and windy is where you built a barn.
ReplyDeleteSounds like your insurers need some remedial education regarding FEMA Flood coverage. You absolutely can insure dwelling contents and outbuildings. The contents are covered at Actual Cash Value as is the detached structure. If the detached structure is fully enclosed, the contents inside that structure can also be covered.
ReplyDeleteWhen you obtain a mortgage on your home and it is in a FEMA flood zone the bank, mortgage companies are required by Federal Law to require you to have Flood Ins. They will not (previously) insure a house that is not in a flood zone. People would scream at that requirement but if you wanted the house you had to have it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the warning. We are further south of your location and also are forecast for heavier precipitation. Your concern for new construction is well founded. My wife's pasture several years ago had major flooding where water was on site for a month and a half. Our two cows and donkey had to be boarded elsewhere until the flood waters receded.
ReplyDeleteConincidentally, a major neighborhood of about 100 acres in area in size had been built the previous year. Even during hurricanes did the flooding never get as bad as it did now. I know that major civil drain pipes had been installed - I just have no idea of the direction. My wife's location is mainly agricultural with a few businesses around.
I bought a house that is high enough to drain to the hi-way and front door view is a 2 acre pond.
ReplyDeleteI 'hope' we don't need it...
ReplyDeleteWe flooded last year when they forgot to open a spillway. 30k damage, the flood insurance refused to cover, and, as I'm now finding is typical in the south, everybody runs around parroting, "Not our responsibility!" It applies to everything down here. The message: You're on your own. Paying through the nose for insurance has been a complete waste.
ReplyDelete