Hurricane offers learning experience for homeowner
Buying flood insurance is now on homeowner Don Coffey’s to-do list.
“It’s not close to being over, but Harvey has been a learning experience for me. Jenice and I built this house the summer of 1980. I was 27 years old and wise beyond my years, or just really lucky. I was born on this flat land and knew even then that water runs downhill. We were one of the first homes built in our 110-house subdivision. I argued with my builder about the height of my slab. I got it 12 inches higher than he had planned, and subsequently the homes built around me were built to the same elevation.
Don and Jenice Coffey
“Sunday morning we received 14.5 inches of rain in less than three hours. At 6:30 a.m. the water was within ONE inch of coming in the back of the house. That was the high point for Harvey and the low point for me. At 28 feet of elevation I never fear storm surge. But we have received 29 inches of rain (as of Monday morning) since this started, and even with that we have drained it all away.
“But I have seen the light. I made a promise to Jenice and the Lord that next week, after there is no longer a named storm, we will buy flood insurance. Some may think I’m foolish for having gone all these years without it. But I have that affliction many have accused me of having. Sometimes I think I’m smarter than I actually am.
“As I watch TV coverage of people being rescued in all kinds of boats by all kinds of kind people, I feel truly blessed. I need to better appreciate that every day. May the Lord bless you and keep you safe as he has me for more than 64 years.”
— Don Coffey
