FLOODS WREAK HAVOC IN WILTON MANORS

John Hayden

Astrong area of rain moved over Broward County last week and stayed there long enough to turn into a storm people will be talking about for years.

Broward County officially reported 25.9 inches of rain on April 12.

Life was not any better in Wilton Manors. The city is an island and, due to aging infrastructure, is prone to flooding when there is more than a light rain.

The effects were immediate:

• Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) closed April 12 and didn’t reopen until 9 a.m. on April 14, leaving thousands stranded. Hours after the rain stopped, the airfield and tarmac were invisible and under significant water.

• Streets quickly flooded, leaving an estimated 10,000 abandoned cars with flooded engines. At its peak, water rose to the top of the tires. As of April 14, many side streets were still underwater and abandoned cars littered the streets, forcing drivers to zig-zag their way through town.

• Broward County schools closed April 13 and April 14 because many students and teachers were still flooded. Engineers are also looking for any damage to school buildings.

WMPD: OVERTIME AND OVERDRIVE

Wilton Manors Police Department (WMPD) was in all-hands-on-deck mode. From April 12 to April 13, they saw a 7% increase in calls. Of the 44 calls, 32 were storm related.

Three were rescues of motorists stranded in their cars with water rising all around them. The city deployed their high-water response vehicle. “Vulnerable individuals were found in good health, but were stranded and scared. Officers assisted these motorists from their vehicles and transported them to a place of safety,” WMPD Chief Gary Blocker said.

He estimates there were about 60 disabled and stranded vehicles throughout Wilton Manors. The department used their Twitter account to keep the public updated in real time.

Blocker had high praise for his team. “The members of our police department rose to the challenge, and they continue to work extended hours for our community during the aftermath of this weather event.

For this, I am thankful, and very proud to work alongside the professionals of our WMPD!”

HOME & AUTO INSURANCE CLAIMS

Many people are waking up to realize what is and isn’t covered by their home and auto policies. Because this wasn’t a wind event, homeowners will likely need to use their flood insurance to make claims.

Many people who don’t live in a designated flood zone don’t carry flood insurance. But this storm was so heavy for so long, many of them saw damage.

Alejandro Kalaf, co-owner of WeInsure in Wilton Manors, says many of the calls they got yesterday were people wanting flood coverage, and most are outside flood zones.

Making a claim for car damage is trickier. Kalaf says cars on lease or with a loan are likely to have comprehensive coverage, but people with older cars are more likely to be vulnerable to catastrophic repair costs. “The average consumer, right now, is focused on price and not so much coverage. If you have comprehensive coverage then, yes, you are covered for flood. If you do not carry comprehensive coverage then, unfortunately, you do not have coverage for flood.”

The big question is: how much damage do you need before you decide to file a home or auto claim?

Kalaf shared advice he gives to his WeInsure clients. “Contact your agent and review your coverages, limits, and deductibles. I explain to the client that they can always put in a claim but it should be at least double of your deductible for it to be beneficial to the insured.”

When it comes to auto repair, he says people will need patience. “With all the vehicles that I have seen on social media under water in Broward County, I would say claims adjusters are going to be busy for a while. With most insurance companies, you are allowed to take your vehicle to any repair shop of your liking.”