Flooding…It happens everywhere, not just along the banks of a river.

With over 10 inches of rain falling on the mid-state recently (13.4 inches reported by Harrisburg International Airport) widespread flooding was expected. The Susquehanna River and other large creeks hit near record flood levels. Even streets became creek and river-like with cars being swept away.

Between the rains of both Hurricanes Irene and Lee, the mid-state is currently in the midst of a massive cleanup and the area has been declared a disaster by President Obama. If you were affected by flood damage you have a few options.

First, check with your homeowner’s insurance policy and see if you’re covered. Depending on where you live, you may need a separate policy or rider, but in the case of one local couple…their homeowner’s policy came through. 

Matt Hannaford, a social media manager and part time DJ in Harrisburg, works from home most days and Wednesday, September 7^th was no different.  After an early morning meeting, he was back home by 10:30 to get to work. 

Knowing that his outdoor drain sometimes gets clogged with leaves during heavy rains, he decided to make sure he wouldn’t have any problems and checked the drain. He noticed that it was covered and that there was about four inches of water at the bottom of the steps. He quickly grabbed a shovel to move the leaves away from the drain. 

Unfortunately, for Hannaford, the drain wasn’t clogged. Rather, it was flowing water in the opposite direction and into the base of the steps. The high water forced its way through the exterior door and into the basement where it had already filled the basement with about two to three inches of water throughout the 1000 square foot space.

Hannaford quickly called his wife, Erin, and then other members of their family for help. They eventually got the situation under control, but it took until Thursday afternoon to rid the basement of standing water. By Friday evening, the five-room, finished basement was gutted and the clean up and rebuilding process could begin.

The young couple called their homeowner’s insurance company Wednesday afternoon while attempting to remove the water and found out that they were covered for at least part of the damage. Lucky for them, the insurance will cover the majority of the damages. Others however, may not be so lucky. 

It’s important to work closely with a REALTOR® to ensure that you have the proper coverage in case of emergency situations such as these.  When the Hannaford’s purchased their home in late 2010, they had been told that the basement only had water in it one other time…in 1972. What are the chances?

Second, you should check out www.fema.gov/assistance and see if you qualify for any additional help. If your homeowner’s coverage doesn’t cover flood or water back up damage, you may be eligible for federal loans to help with the unexpected costs. 

Remember, our team of REALTORS® and legal advisors are here to help you through the purchasing process, including considering the unexpected.

We continue to keep your best interest in mind and we hope you all are safe, dry, and insured!