FEMA Again Urges At-risk Communities to Buy Flood Insurance

Last month’s Hurricane Irene was a rude awakening for many East coast residents and businesses that reminded them the importance of flood insurance. Federal Emergency Management Agency, which administer the National Flood Insurance Program, said it is constantly reaching out to communities and teach the benefits of flood insurance.

“Floods are the most common and costly natural disaster in the United States. Fortunately, most property owners who live in communities participating in the National Flood Insurance Program can purchase affordable protection to insure against flood losses,” FEMA’s public relations department told Insurance Journal.

“FEMA encourages all those at risk for flooding to purchase a flood insurance policy. Flood insurance can be purchased at any time, regardless of your flood risk. Individuals are encouraged to talk to their insurance agent to know their flood risk and to discuss their insurance policy coverage protection for any flooding event.”

The National Flood Insurance Program’s “Floodsmart” campaign does an aggressive, year-round outreach, targeting high risk and other areas through numerous advertising, public relations, and other activities to promote the benefits of flood insurance to homeowners, businesses and renters across the country.

FEMA’s ‘Floodsmart’ Campaign

“We are constantly reaching out to inform the public of the risk posed by flooding, and that one of the most important ways to be prepared for a flood threat is to have your community participate in the NFIP and to purchase flood insurance,” according to FEMA. “Our floodsmart campaign encourages people to purchase flood insurance now, before disaster strikes, because there is a typically a 30 day waiting period before coverage starts.”

Last week, FEMA urged some Vermont communities still without flood insurance to sign up for the program, as Democrats and Republicans in Congress tussled over emergency-relief funding.

Some 21,000 communities participate in the NFIP nationwide. Homes can be insured against flood damage for up to $250,000 and commercial buildings insured for up to $500,000. Policies can be written to include contents coverage up to $100,000 for homes and $500,000 for business owners’ contents. Renters can insure their personal property for up to $100,000.

Topics Mergers & Acquisitions Flood