On the eve of the 100th anniversary of the Great Ohio Flood of 1913, the state’s most devastating
weather disaster, Lieutenant Governor and Department of Insurance Director Mary Taylor is reminding Ohioans
the importance of evaluating their need for flood insurance and understanding how to secure it.Taylor said
that financial protection against flood damage is not included in a standard homeowners or renters insurance
policy. Coverage has to be purchased separately and there is a 30-day waiting period before it becomes
effective. She also pointed to the past to remind people just how unforgiving Mother Nature can
be."Whether 100 years ago or today, flooding can be devastating on a personal and material level,"
Taylor said. "Work with your insurance agent to ensure you have the appropriate financial safeguards in
place to protect you and your belongings."Rewind to March 23, 1913 and imagine a scene with rain
pouring from the Ohio sky onto the snowy ground. Almost immediately, the entire state was deep underwater
with people fighting for their lives. The Ohio Historical Society said 6 to 11 inches pounded down over
several days. In the end, animals perished, around 600 lives were lost, approximately 35,500 homes and many
businesses were flooded. The amount of destruction amounted to the equivalent of at least $3 billion in
today’s economy.Also according to the Ohio Historical Society, in Dayton, the Great Miami River flooded 14
square miles of the city. The Ohio River in Cincinnati rose 21 feet in 24 hours. In Columbus, the Scioto
River poured nine to 17 feet deep through neighborhoods. The Muskingum River in Zanesville crested 27 feet
above flood stage and water was 20 feet deep at several downtown intersections. The Cuyahoga River washed
away docks, lumberyards, trains, and rail yards in Cleveland. Levees along the Ohio River in Portsmouth were
topped, flooding 4,500 homes.Today, flood insurance is available through the National Flood Insurance
Program in any community that participates in the program. The NFIP Web site at floodsmart.gov is filled
with consumer and agent material. Even though flood insurance is administered by a federal program, private
insurers sell the policies. An insurance agent can tell you if your community is part of NFIP and advise you
on coverage. This is also an opportune time to inquire with your agent if coverage for damage caused by a
sewer or drain back-up is available and appropriate to add to your homeowners or renters policy.Flood
insurance is available to protect homes, condominiums, apartments and non-residential buildings, including
commercial structures and their contents. The NFIP offers basement flood coverage for structural elements,
essential equipment and other basic items normally located in a basement. In addition, the NFIP encourages
people to purchase both building and contents coverage for the broadest protection.