A Milwaukee woman is facing a daunting $60,000 bill after her home suffered catastrophic damage from recent flooding. Delorse Harrington, a 67-year-old Navy veteran, experienced the collapse of her home’s foundation during historic floods that struck on August 9 and 10. Despite having a sump pump, it failed to operate effectively, allowing nearly four feet of water to inundate her basement and wreak havoc.
Background of the Disaster
Harrington has lived in her Menomonee River Hills residence for 34 years. She had previously dealt with minor flooding over a decade ago, prompting her to invest in a new sump pump system. However, the recent storm brought overwhelming rain that overwhelmed her basement, leading to extensive structural damage.
Insurance Complications
- Harrington is responsible for all repair costs, which amount to over $60,000.
- She discovered that her homeowners’ insurance excluded coverage for flood damage and that her sump pump policy applied solely to non-flooding incidents.
- This situation is a common misunderstanding among homeowners, particularly those in low-risk flood zones.
Experts, such as Daniel Wright, a professor at UW-Madison, emphasize that flood damages are typically not covered by standard homeowners’ insurance. This lack of transparency often leads homeowners, like Harrington, to underestimate their insurance needs.
The Importance of Flood Insurance
While flood insurance is more comprehensive, it comes at a cost, ranging from $800 to $1,000 annually, according to FEMA. Additionally, 90% of properties affected by the recent Milwaukee floods were outside designated flood zones, highlighting the shifting nature of flood risks.
Shane Hubbard, a research scientist at UW-Madison, notes that severe storms are increasingly occurring in areas historically deemed low-risk, yet many homeowners do not purchase flood insurance due to this perception.
City Regulations and Challenges
After the flooding, Harrington was notified by the city that she had six months to repair or raze her home. The city’s Department of Neighborhood Services mandated that she acquire specific permits to proceed, putting further financial and logistical strain on her situation.
- Permit fees are based on renovation costs, with an estimated fee of $600.
- If repairs are initiated without a permit, fees can be quadrupled.
Harrington’s struggles are compounded by difficulty in finding contractors to conduct repairs amidst high demand in the area. She has reached out to various sources, including Habitat for Humanity, but has faced numerous challenges in securing assistance.
Seeking Assistance
Jeremy McGovern from the Department of Neighborhood Services has stated that homeowners can appeal orders and that extensions are frequently granted. Nevertheless, Harrington felt uninformed about her options for appealing the city’s regulations and is actively seeking additional financial support for repairs.
Despite securing a $20,000 FEMA grant, Harrington is still left with a substantial $40,000 shortfall and is exploring options, including taking on additional work.
Preparing for Future Flood Risks
Experts advise homeowners to take proactive measures to safeguard against flooding:
- Regularly review insurance policies to understand coverage limits.
- Consider investing in flood insurance regardless of perceived risk levels.
- Implement rainwater collection methods, such as barrels.
- Organize community efforts to monitor flood-prone areas ahead of storms.
As weather patterns change, the need for reliable flood insurance and preventive measures becomes increasingly critical for homeowners across Milwaukee and beyond.
