Flood Insurance is a Smart Choice

Geneva County, AL - Heavy rains in the spring of 2009 brought flooding for the first time to the home of Carolyn and Danny Holloway in the City of Geneva; however, they were prepared because they had flood insurance.

According to Margaret Mixon, Geneva County emergency manager, the City received 17 inches of rain in one day. The rain washed over roads and ditches and left thousands without power throughout southeast Alabama. “The town looked just like a lake. There was four to five feet of water in some houses that had never flooded before,” said Mixon.

Even though the Holloways’ home had never experienced flooding in the 18 years they had lived there, the City of Geneva has a long flooding history due to its location at the junction of the Choctawhatchee and Pea Rivers. The City is protected by a levee; in addition, the Double Bridges Creek runs through Geneva.

Carolyn’s uncle, who used to be the street superintendent for the City of Geneva, suggested they purchase flood insurance. He told them it was the smartest thing they would ever do. They purchased it in 1992, a year after they moved into their home, and have kept it ever since.

The Holloways’ home was built in 1962 and it is located in an area of low to moderate flood risk because of the levee that protects the city. Flood insurance premiums start as low as $119 for building and contents in this area.

“It was very cheap” Carolyn said “We pay $170 a year for structure and contents.”

Half a foot of water came into the Holloways’ sunken den, destroying the carpet and some of the furniture. They documented everything through photos and video, and then proceeded to clean up as soon as the rain stopped. They had to remove all carpeting, paneling, and insulation, and then applied a mixture of bleach and water to clean the area to avoid mold growth.

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) adjuster came to their house two days after they filed a claim. Within 30 days, they had received the amount needed to cover the damages.

“Many people think that they can’t buy flood insurance if they are not in a flood zone. This is not true. If the community participates in the NFIP, anybody can buy it.” said Mixon.

Carolyn says she is the only one in her neighborhood that has flood insurance. She always encourages everybody to purchase it. “I’m glad I got it and I’ll pay it until the day I die because it’s worth it,” she said.