Folsom Lake gets its water from the American River and from the streams that run down out of the Sierra. That runoff can become a bigger problem after a wildfire because burned ground doesn’t soak up rain as well. And with runoff, your home and property can be at risk for flooding. But your homeowner’s policy doesn’t cover floods. At T.D. McNeil Insurance Services, we talk to people all the time who were unsure of exactly what type of protection they have in the event of flooding. 

Burn Scars Send More Water Downhill

After a wildfire, the soil is often hard and can’t absorb much water. Heavy rainfall has no chance of getting good absorption in that kind of soil. So it runs downhill instead of soaking into the ground. On the way down, that water is picking up ash, mud, rocks, and any manner of debris and taking it down with it.

The Mosquito Fire was responsible for burning 76,000 acres in 2022. That included land around the American River watershed. Federal officials warned that there was a higher risk of flooding in that area and that it would be for several years. 

Creeks Carry That Water Through Town

Several creeks and drainage areas carry stormwater through Folsom. That includes Willow, Humbug, Alder, and Hinkle.

These are waterways that move rainwater toward the American River and Lake Natoma. Heavier-than-normal runoff or stormwater full of mud and debris can put a lot of pressure on local drainage systems.

Flood Insurance in CA May Have a Wildfire Exception

Flood insurance bought through the National Flood Insurance Program usually has a 30-day waiting period before your coverage starts. They do have some exceptions for after wildfires on federal land. And in some situations, FEMA may waive the waiting period.

The land upstream from Folsom is federal forest land, so it’s something you may want to look into.

Check Your Flood Risk Before it Starts Raining

A standard homeowner’s policy rarely covers flooding. If you live in an area that is prone to wildfires and heavy rainfall, it’s worth having a conversation about flood insurance with someone at T.D. McNeil Insurance Services. Get in touch today and we’ll make sure you have the coverage you need.

Owning a home in Folsom requires an understanding of insurance options and potential liability limitations. It’s not always possible to protect your home from water or flood damage with a standard homeowners insurance policy. You’ll need additional coverage for that. If you’re located in CA, working with T.D. McNeil Insurance Services is a convenient way for you to address your water damage and flood protection needs year-round.

Securing Flood Insurance

Most floods happen outside of designated flood zones. Unfortunately, floods and water damage are not covered with standard homeowners insurance, even if you have a policy that provides maximum protection for other events. When you’re thinking of investing in flood insurance, you’ll want to do so via the National Flood Insurance Program, also known as the NFIP. In addition to flood insurance or NFIP, consider adding water or sewer backup and sump pump overflow coverage to your existing policy.

Insurance Policy Add-Ons

Sewer backup and sump pump overflow insurance coverage helps protect your home from damage caused by heavy storms, flash floods, and rainfall. These events can lead to backups in your drains, sewer lines, or sump pumps. In addition to insurance, installing flood vents and maintaining clear drainage and sewer systems year-round can significantly reduce your risk of damage.

At T.D. McNeil Insurance Services, serving Folsom, CA, we work with clients to determine when flood insurance is necessary while also finding policies that provide proper protection for families across the region. Whether you’re investing in a home for the very first time or live in a high-risk area that is prone to flooding, we can help. Contact us for a consultation to learn more about your flood insurance and water damage protection options.