Although hurricane-related weather events and related flooding damage and losses garner significant headlines and attention, this week's tragic deluge in Eastern Kentucky and surrounding states highlights the danger of inland flooding and the fact that 'wherever it can rain, it can flood.' The North Fork Kentucky River in Jackson jumped 37.5 feet in under 33 hours as rains came down, according to the National Weather Service. The event has claimed roughly 30 lives and is expected to cost "hundreds of millions of dollars," says Kentucky Gov. Governor Andy Beshear. "Inland flooding is more common" than coastal flooding, says NPR Science Reporter Rebecca Hersher. "The kind of devastating heavy rain that we've seen (in Kentucky) this week is something that climate scientists have predicted for many decades. As humans keep burning fossil fuels, the atmosphere gets hotter (and) the air holds more moisture. So when it rains, it rains harder." Heavy rainfall events are becoming more frequent, according to the U.S. Global Change Research Program. "The annual cost of damage from inland floods is higher than any other severe weather event — averaging $6.9 billion per year for the period 1976–2006," that agency reports. "Additionally, more than 60 percent of U.S. hurricane-caused deaths from 1970 to 1999 occurred in inland counties, with more than half of those deaths related to freshwater flooding." As witnessed in Kentucky, inland flooding events pose severe risk to people and property, and these impacts last long after the weather event has subsided. "Longer-term health impacts include increases in food- and water-borne illnesses, worsening of pre-existing medical conditions, and respiratory illnesses due to mold exposure. Flooding and roadblocks can hinder emergency vehicle response," according to weather-risk experts with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. "Property damage and displacement of homes and businesses can lead to loss of work and long-term mental stress for those facing relocation. Individuals may also experience post-traumatic stress, anxiety and depression following major flooding events."

The insurance response to a flood

Insurance professionals want policyholders impacted by flooding to take a few key steps so that their flood claim can be processed expeditiously. The Roberts Insurance Group in Florida suggests that flood victims who have filed a claim and are awaiting an adjuster's visit take the following steps:

1. Separate damaged property from undamaged property.
2. Take photographs of all damaged property, including discarded objects, structural damage, and standing floodwater levels. Use care when doing so.
3. Make a list of damaged or lost items and include their date of purchase, value and receipt, if possible.
4. Place flooded items outside the home, if possible. Officials may require disposal of damaged items.

It's also important to note that a catastrophic flooding event means insurance personnel will be stretched thin, with some local adjusters suffering through the same impacts as insured. "It may take longer to process claims and make payments due to the high volume of claims submitted," according to the Roberts Insurance Group.

Advice from and for adjusters

Insureds should be aware that during a visit from an insurance adjuster, this person will:

• Examine your damaged goods and property to help determine your final payment for flood damages.
• Give you a Proof of Loss form. This document is your official claim for damages. It substantiates the insurance claim and is required before the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) can compensate your for flood damage. Complete, sign and return the Proof of Loss form to your insurance company within 60 days of the flood. Once you and your insurance company agree on the amount of damages, and they receive our completed and signed Proof of Loss form, they'll issue payment.

Few things are straightforward when it comes to assessing a flood loss. Some areas that require special attention and consideration include:

• Gas lines and accessories;
• Local sales tax;
• Overhead and profit;
• Remediation and cleanup;
• Subflooring;
• Exterior sheathing;
• Toilets and plumbing; and
• Sealer and paint.

"Washed away ground or holes under the surface are tripping hazards, and the suction or pressure of small drains can pull someone under shallow water," Canopy Claims Management COO Jeff Major told PropertyCasualty360.com during a 2016 interview about adjuster safety. "Water moving under parked cars or structures can pull someone down and trap them under the water." See also:

• The 10 most costly U.S. floods
• Facing off against flooding
• Two times flood damage was not covered