Ready PA Monthly - March 2022

Where it can rain, it can flood map of PA

Yes, Pennsylvania, We Are All at Some Risk of Flooding

I don’t live in a flood zone. Why should I care about flooding? Am I at risk?

Yes. Anywhere it can rain, it can also flood. And we have a map that shows you that most flooding reported to the National Weather Service happened outside the 100-year flood zone!

March is a month of seasonal transition in Pennsylvania. The first day of spring is March 21, yet we are also still at risk of major snowstorms (Remember the blizzards in 1993 and 1997 and the nor'easter in 2018?). As a result, March is also when we begin shifting our attention to flooding risks. Rapid snow melt and heavy rain increases the risk of flooding in Pennsylvania. That risk isn’t just near those who live along a river, creek, or stream.

Everyone in Pennsylvania is at some risk of flooding which can have disastrous results.

National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Risk Rating 2.0

Flood insurance is changing for those who already have flood insurance. Risk Rating 2.0 is the first significant change to FEMA flood insurance pricing/rating methodology in over 40 years. With NFIP Risk Rating 2.0, flood insurance for YOUR home is personalized to YOUR home.

The new methodology leverages industry best practices and cutting-edge technology to enable FEMA to deliver rates that are actuarily sound, equitable, easier to understand and better reflect a property’s flood risk. Risk Rating 2.0 will incorporate multiple factors, such as replacement cost value, proximity to flooding source, flood frequency and others.

Learn more about NFIP Risk Rating 2.0. If you have questions about changes to a specific policy, policyholders should contact their insurance agents.

Image of wood umbrella over wooden house

Protect Your Home Against Flooding With These 5 Tips

1. Invest in Flood Insurance
Did you know an inch of water can cause $25,000 in damage? Talk to your insurance agent about coverage options to protect your home.

2. A Quick Walk Around Your Home
Check your foundation for any cracks. If you have them, use sealant, mortar or masonry caulk to fill them to help keep water out.

3. Install a Sump Pump and Backflow Valve
Make sure you have a sump pump with battery-operated backup in case your electricity goes out. You can also consider hiring a plumber to install a backflow valve to push the flow of water and sewer backup away from your home.

4. Move Items Up
Raise and anchor air conditioning condensers, heat pumps, water meters and other service equipment onto platforms at least 1 foot above the potential flood elevation. Consider raising other major appliances above the ground floor.

5. Landscape to Improve Drainage
Build up any hollow areas around the foundation, dig small depressions to properly channel water and otherwise improve your yard so it slopes away from your home.

Watch this video for more tips.

flood alerts with moving water behind it

Know Your Terms

Do you know the difference between a Flood Watch and a Flood Warning? A Watch means "Be Prepared!" A Warning means "Take Action Now!" Let's dig into what you should know and what you should do.

Flood Watch: Be Prepared! A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible. It is typically issued for an area that is many counties in size and is usually issued 12 to 24 hours before flooding is expected to start. With the advance notice of a watch, you will have more time to prepare for flooding.

Flood Warning: Take Action Now! A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring. If you are under a flood warning, find a safe shelter right away.

PA Flood Awareness Week

Many Pennsylvanians got up close and personal with flooding recently.

Flooding continues to be Pennsylvania’s top hazard. That’s why the National Weather Service and their partners educate Pennsylvanians during Flood Awareness Week.

This year, Flood Awareness Week is March 21-25. Be sure to visit our Facebook and Twitter during the week for important information and tips that can help you and your loved ones.

Graphic that reads Spring forward! Test your smoke alarms

This Weekend: Change Your Batteries and Clocks

It is time to "spring forward" and change your smoke alarm batteries. You should test your smoke alarms monthly and replace the batteries regularly.

Discharged or missing batteries are the most common cause of a smoke alarm or carbon monoxide detector malfunction. When functioning, smoke alarms can decrease the risk of dying in a home fire by as much as half. From the moment an alarm sounds, occupants may have as few as two minutes to safely exit the building.

Acting Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook is reminding Pennsylvanians to change the batteries in their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors while changing their clocks for this weekend’s “spring forward” time change.

MARCH TIP SHEET: WHERE IT CAN RAIN, IT CAN FLOOD

MARCH SOCIAL MEDIA TOOLKIT

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