Ri$k Happens: When the creek does rise

Apr. 11, 2021 - By Mary Ann Gormly, CERP - Loss Analyst, ARA Insurance

A very strong storm system moved across the country. In many areas along the route heavy rains and flooding caused problems.

There was a dry creek bed that ran behind the property line of one rental store. The creek bed had been dry for years but the rain from this storm system fell so hard for an extended period of time and the creek filled and then overflowed.

The storm system moved through early on a Sunday morning, so the employees of the rental store were not aware of the problem for an entire day. The creek had not overflowed in years so there was no reason to think it would have this time.

When the owner of the rental store opened the door on Monday morning, she was greeted with water that had been 2 ft. up the walls all through the building. There were many items damaged by the mud and water from the creek and the rental yard. Once they have had a chance to itemize the damaged items, the claim will be adjusted and paid according to the wording in their rental policy.

This item, provided by ARA Insurance, Kansas City, Mo., contains safety tips and is intended to help readers better understand and manage risk. For more safety and risk management information, customers of ARA Insurance can log on to ReSource. Access is free, so if you haven’t signed up yet, contact your agent or call 800-821-6580.