Mississippi ranks third in the country for the highest risk of flooding throughout the state. As a homeowner, you need to be prepared for certain situations as they come up, and in Mississippi one of those situations is flooding. 

In this how-to guide, we'll walk you through preparing your home for a flood event and talk about how a Mississippi independent insurance agent can help you secure the proper flood insurance for protection.

How to Prepare for Mississippi Floods

Just one inch of natural floodwaters can cause $25,000 worth of damage to your home. Unfortunately, a flood typically occurs quickly, leaving you with minimal time to take action. Having a plan in place long before a potential flood is the best way to prepare for an incident.

6 steps to take to prepare for Mississippi floods

1. Know the risk of flooding in your area: Every home is at different risk of flooding, depending on location and other factors. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) makes it easy to know your risks through their Flood Map Service Center. You can also sign up for local emergency and flood alerts through the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
2. Know the evacuation routes out of your city: When hundreds of people are trying to evacuate a location at once, it can cause chaos. Spend time learning about the different evacuation routes from your home and out of your city so you're prepared to head to safety no matter which direction the flood is coming from.
3. Gather important supplies and documents: If you need to leave your home you'll want important documents such as birth certificates, passports, licenses with you. You also need to gather necessary food and medications. It's best to keep important documents in a specific spot where they are easy to grab, and keep an emergency supply box somewhere accessible. Don't forget to make sure any personal property you leave behind is off the ground.
4. Pack for safety: When packing your belongings for a potential flood evacuation, keep safety in mind. Remember to bring enough food and water, as well as some tools and resources, in the event that you are stuck on the side of the road or somewhere else unexpected. A first aid kit is always valuable to have on hand.
5. Purchase a sump pump: A sump pump can remove up to 2,000 gallons of water per hour if water does enter your home. It's best to work with a professional to purchase the right size and shape pump to fit your home.
6. Purchase flood insurance: No matter how well you prepare, flood waters have a mind of their own and can lead to significant damage. Flood insurance is the only way to get relief if your home experiences severe flooding.

Why Does Mississippi See More Floods?

Mississippi is one of the highest ranking states for flooding because of the Mississippi River. The Mississippi/Atchafalaya River Basin (MARB) funnels water from 41% of the US. This causes the Mississippi River, along with the numerous tributaries and smaller rivers that run off from the main river, to frequently flood.

When there is heavy rainfall, snowmelt, or a severe storm, the rivers rise in their beds, levees and dams break, and flooding occurs. 

What Does Flood Insurance Cover?

Flooding from natural waters is excluded in Mississippi homeowners insurance. But your home and your stuff still need to be protected from flooding, which is the purpose of flood insurance. 

You can purchase flood insurance from private companies or the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Both will cover damage to or loss of your home and stuff, but insurance from private companies may not have the same coverage options and limits as the NFIP.

Items that are covered by flood insurance:

Be sure to compare the coverages with your independent insurance agent before you decide to buy private flood insurance.

Can I Buy Flood Insurance at Any Time in Mississippi?

Yes, you can purchase flood insurance at any time, but there will be a 30-day waiting period before insurance from the NFIP comes into effect. This means you cannot wait until after an event occurs or if you hear a storm is coming next week. 

The increased risks of flooding in Mississippi make purchasing flood insurance worth considering. An independent insurance agent can walk you through your options and help you secure coverage if you determine it's the best route for you.

How Much Does Flood Insurance Cost?

For many homeowners, flood insurance can be affordable, but it really depends on the location of your home and the risks it faces. Some homes are in high-risk flood zones and insurance premiums will reflect this risk.

• Low-end cost of flood insurance: $300
• High-end cost of flood insurance: $3,500

Individuals who live far away from a flood zone, and not near any natural water features, are likely to pay closer to the low-end amount. If you live very close to the Mississippi River and in a common flood zone, you may be looking at much costlier premiums.

Why Work with a Mississippi Independent Insurance Agent?

For most people, their home is their most valuable asset. Flood insurance, like homeowners insurance, can provide financial protection. A Mississippi independent insurance agent will speak with you, free of charge, to help you determine if you need coverage. Agents know the ins and outs of flood insurance, can answer your questions, and will compare private companies to the NFIP for you. If you need to file a claim, an agent will help you through that process as well.