Commercial Storm vs. Flood Damage

9/14/2020 (Permalink)

Flood damage in Edmond, OK

Understand The Difference Between Storm and Flood Damage

Storms can lead to flooding, but flood damage is not the same as storm damage. Although this sounds like a riddle, it is important to understand the difference between the two when you are insuring your Edmond, OK, commercial property.

Storm Damage
Storms can cause all sorts of damage to a property. The following are some common ways that a storm can damage a business building:

• Wind
• Hail
• Lightning
  

Damage from the above sources are likely covered under your commercial property insurance policy. However, damage caused by rain is a bit trickier. If the rain entered the building after damage caused by the storm, such as through a roof leak caused by strong winds, the water damage is likely classified as storm damage and covered under the same policy. However, in other situations, water damage from heavy rains may only be covered by a separate flood policy.

Flood Damage
For insurance purposes, flooding is defined as the inundation of two or more acres or properties that are normally dry. The inundation can be caused by heavy rains, mudflow, or overflow from rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water. If the water damage is classified as flooding, it will only be covered if you have a flood policy.
There is another important difference between water damage from a storm and from a flood. While the water from a storm usually comes as rainwater from the sky, flood water has accumulated on the ground and become contaminated with mud, sewage, etc. This is important to keep in mind during the restoration process. Items damaged by floodwater should be thoroughly sanitized. If they cannot be fully disinfected, they should be thrown away.
It is important to discuss your business’s needs with an insurance agent and carefully read through all policies to ensure your business is properly covered in the event of flood damage. In addition to an insurance policy, it is important to select a certified restoration company to help get your property back to normal quickly and safely after a flood or storm.