Much of the Greater Philadelphia / South Jersey region has the potential to sustain severe damage as a result of flood. The Delaware Valley is so named because of the proximity of most of the area to the Delaware River, and the numerous creeks, rivers, streams and tributaries which feed it.
It was just days after the blizzard of 1996 when heavy rains struck the area resulting in severe flood damage. With a heavy layer of snow, rain water was unable to soak into the ground or into storm drains which remained covered with snow.
In October 1999, areas of Delaware County sustained flood damage as the Darby Creek overflowed when Hurricane Floyd swept through the area. In South Jersey major loss of property occurred when the Cooper River and the Pennsauken and Rancocas Creeks swelled to record levels.
In June 2001, Tropical Storm Allison moved across the Delaware Valley resulting in severe devastation. Numerous families in Bucks and Montgomery Counties were left homeless. Hundreds more sustained serious property damage. The most severe loss occurred in Upper Moreland, Montgomery County at the Village Green Apartments where flood waters ten feet deep caused the severing of a gas line which led to a fire in which multiple fatalities occurred. Throughout the region homes and businesses situated in low lying areas were flooded as normally tranquil creeks overflowed their banks. The normally shallow Pennypack and Mill Creeks became rapidly flowing rivers.
Proper awareness of the danger of flooding in your area is essential for protection of your family and property. While lives can never be replaced, buildings and personal property can. However, as many have learned only after becoming victims of nature's fury, flood damage to buildings and personal property is not covered under a standard homeowners, condominium or renters insurance policy.
While flood damage to vehicles is covered under an automobile insurance policy, flood insurance must specifically be purchased to insure protection in the event that your home and personal property sustain damage as a result of flood. Far too few property owners in the region have flood insurance. Many who have previously suffered damage from floods still have failed to purchase the coverage. In many instances the decision is one of economics. Flood insurance is expensive. However, when weighed against the cost of replacing a home and all belongings the cost suddenly seems more reasonable.
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