The concerns of flooding in your home can rise faster than how quickly the snow melting is occurring this week from above-normal temperatures.  This week is Flood Safety Awareness Week in Wisconsin and Phil Schmitz of Schmitz Insurance in Sturgeon Bay says your homeowner’s policy may only cover some types of flooding that are impacted by surface water.  He notes that about 80 percent of all flooding happens in homes that are not in a flood zone.

Property owners can access a national flood insurance program through local agents or private policies from private companies through Lloyds of London. Schmitz recommends that you check with your insurance agent to find out what type of flood insurance coverage is included in your regular homeowner’s policy. 

According to the Department of Natural Resources, floods are the most common and costly natural disaster in Wisconsin. The last decade was the wettest on record, with average annual precipitation increasing about 17%, or 5 inches, since 1950. 

Photo Credit: Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources  iStock.com/djperry