Lisa Carey Real Estate Blog at Carey Cottage, Tallahassee

Are you ready for the storms?  About 25% of claims paid by the National Flood Insurance Program last year were not in high-risk areas.  So be sure to check flood maps for recent changes and know your flood zone, check with your home insurance provider for flood protection - even if you aren't in a flood zone, and get a hurricane plan.  www.floodsmart.gov is a great resource for this important information.

According to floodsmart.gov, the cost of property damage by flooding rises by the inch:

Six inches of water = $39,150

One foot of water = $52,220

Two feet of water = $62,880

Three feet of water = $68,100

Four feet of water = $74,580

Above estimated cost of damages for average 2,000-sqft house, built on slab with typical household items, including furniture.  Costs vary from state to state and home to home.