What Tropical Storm Hilary Taught Valley Homeowners

Tropical Storm Hilary reached Southern California in August 2023 and brought heavy rain, flooding, and mud to parts of the Coachella Valley. Many homeowners learned how outside flooding is treated by insurance and how fast mud and water move through washes.

Lessons

• Standard homeowners policies often exclude outside flooding. Ask your agent about flood insurance and its waiting period.
• Photograph your home and belongings before storm season.
• Know your local drainage: FEMA flood maps are at msc.fema.gov.
• Floodwater is contaminated. Drywall, insulation, and carpet it touches often need removal.
• Never drive through a flooded road or wash.

What to keep ready for the next storm

• A phone folder with photos of each room, serial numbers of major appliances, and your policy declarations page.
• Sandbags or water barriers for garage doors and low thresholds; cities and Riverside County often announce sandbag sites before storms.
• A plan for where you would stay if roads close, and a go-bag with medications and chargers.
• Your HOA or property manager's after-hours contact if you live in a community.

After the water drops

Mud left in a home holds moisture for days even in dry air. Remove it from walls and floors as soon as it is safe, keep photographing as you go, and ask a restoration contractor to measure moisture inside walls before rebuilding. Mobile and manufactured homes should also have the area under the floor checked, since water and mud can collect there unseen.

Insurance questions to ask now, not after

• Does my policy exclude flood or mudflow?
• Do I have coverage for additional living expenses?
• Is a separate flood policy available for my address, and what is its waiting period?

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