LAS VEGAS -- It has been one month since a flood damaged homes and businesses in the Las Vegas valley. Those impacted are still waiting to see if Governor Sandoval will declare a State of Disaster which could open up financial assistance to some victims.
Most of those impacted do not have flood insurance. One resident says her only option may be to leave her home for good.
Last month's major storm left several homes on Walton Heath Avenue with as much as three feet of water inside the homes. Veronica Tracy, 60, said the flood waters soaked through ceilings and walls and ruined family pictures.
"When we came in, the water was already there and I said, 'Oh my God!'"
Tracy said, as the shock settles in, so does her financial reality. Like many homeowners in the valley, she doesn't have flood insurance and now she can't afford to fix what's left of her home.
"Once it starts raining is not the time to think about flood insurance," said Dawn Fizler, Fizler Insurance Agency.
She says 60 percent of the floods in the valley happen in non-designated flood zones and getting flood insurance in those areas ranges between $150 to $300 a year. For homeowners who live in designated flood zones, the cost is around $2,000 a year and they are required to have the insurance.
"People can't afford to come up with $10,000 out of pocket to rebuild their houses," Fizler said. "It's piece of mind and it's not covered by your homeowners insurance."
Tracy's home has water damage in every room. It's estimated it will cost as much as $30,000 in repairs. Before the flood, she was already underwater on her mortgage. She says the loss may be too great for her to keep the home.
"When it happens, you have no choice, you need to move out."
Flood insurance takes one month to take effect after signing up.
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