While March brings the promise of warmer weather and longer days, many communities still face the risk of flooding. Just four years ago, late winter storms swept through almost every state from Pennsylvania to Texas, causing flooding in most. In Missouri, paid losses reached over $13 million and policyholders in Texas filed over 3,000 paid losses totaling more than $127 million.
In 2009, counties throughout North Dakota and Minnesota also experienced severe late winter/early spring flooding. A combination of a cold winter, resulting in frozen grounds, coupled with snow melt and heavy rain, raised the Red River to over 20 feet in most places before cresting. This caused over $9 million in damages throughout 42 counties and on two Indian reservations, despite preemptive measures, such as sandbagging, taken by several communities.
In 2010, most of the country experienced a wetter-than-normal winter followed by heavy spring rains that caused flooding. The Red River in the Midwest rose to almost 40 feet before cresting. When the storms hit Massachusetts and Rhode Island, the frozen ground made absorption difficult. Heavy rains began on March 12, drenching most of the eastern portion of Massachusetts. The rain was relentless for days, shattering previous rainfall records and resulted in a federally declared disaster.
Recovering from such devastation is lengthy and difficult, particularly for those without flood insurance. According to FEMA records, nearly 7,000 Massachusetts residences were impacted by the 2010 floods, and 422 experienced major damage.
Over $27 million in total individual assistance was provided, mostly in the form of disaster loans that have to be repaid along with any existing mortgages. Sadly, even after these floods and subsequent flooding from other storms like Hurricane Irene, out of three million households only about 55,800 polices are in force (November 30, 2011).
With flooding occurring in different parts of the nation, now is an excellent time to remind residents and business owners in your community about the importance of flood insurance.
You may also be interested in viewing and utilizing information from a Multimedia News Release (http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1109573620877&s=399&e=0019hHsA-DgwsiHd617Djvx6H_Oao6pbXE4lZkdt4NOpz5ZsWcQ3hmdGkHt_LFhKrGh-sX8sBEz8KsU9YdxSxePQE01beC_HkXMKP4VaL2XiJwAGZcpQcyDC1XnOf0Hx5e5Dl28sdI_SYL_Ym7OiGP0MpRq2S4gdSqH) that FloodSmart recently distributed to media outlets around the nation.
This release highlights flooding risks during the winter months and includes video of customer testimonials and dramatic footage of recent floods.
FloodSmart Web Sites Offer New Resources for Consumers, Agents and FloodSmart Partners.
Have you visited FloodSmart’s consumer or agent Web sites lately? In the next few weeks you’ll see several interesting additions, including:
· New Community Resource Page - FloodSmart has a new resource for stakeholders and communities that want to go the extra mile to help property owners better understand their flood risk and the financial impact of flooding. This new page on FloodSmart.gov provides shareable tools for communicating the risks, causes and costs of flooding and a wealth of information about how to empower local residents to obtain flood insurance policies. Learn more at http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1109573620877&s=399&e=0019hHsA-Dgwsi4lG6IfOi9daUobttQAj1qm1gyGEDJnyLsu_0Wr-UV0mBqmPaeTww9wMXfuhVICMwYpZQ8TgYnTKdwfnm_7zxZm4XXEwqvFZoYvZpLRwTJbPy2uShSapMVPWSAslRHLlsYkfy4NJJEh4pm9PcL0SUMsqRSUGiBI83_29l7pKZRjQ==.
· Updated Map Change Toolkit - The Map Change Toolkit is a comprehensive suite of materials that help local leaders, lending, insurance and realty professionals, builders, developers, and others communicate about the insurance implications of local flood map updates. The kit is being updated to include more current data and reflect the evolution of mapping efforts. It includes templates for outreach that can be customized with local data and flood history information. Look for it at http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1109573620877&s=399&e=0019hHsA-DgwsjfBL-tYMl_eItFhD0vraeqQXwWIDAYZZPqmq3u997bD-stL47VhFextaSEGpeCEkktjT-VFsi1hqXUCcYB-qD5uT-4V9W8pJFn0_S5yp9qYH0Fd0Nd4iuM.
FEMA Seeks Public Comments on Draft National Mitigation Framework
FEMA has developed a working draft of the National Mitigation Framework that outlines the roles that individuals, the private sector, community leaders, and others should play in managing risks of disasters. The framework also provides information that state, territorial, tribal, and local governments and private sector partners can use to develop or revise mitigation plans.
FEMA is encouraging feedback from stakeholders on the framework, which can be found at http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1109573620877&s=399&e=0019hHsA-DgwsjtDMP7LVZzpzikm_6Uc626qYu8p-kiiEQAf6xiyG0Z-dU_tBMvTafIvILG00-4oa_dEf8J0wrMiWU31Sg1tQuZcheORWX3QMfVRgqzRpzPew== (“Working Draft: National Mitigation Framework”). To comment, please use the “National Mitigation Framework Submission Form,” which is also located at that site. Submission forms are due Monday, April 2 at noon EDT and should be emailed to PPD8-Engagement@fema.gov.
Look for FloodSmart at Upcoming Conferences
FloodSmart will be attending numerous conferences around the country this year in support of our key stakeholders, including FLASH, ASFPM, NACo, and key state floodplain manager and emergency management agencies. FloodSmart recently presented at NOAA's Social Coast Forum in Charleston, SC, the Michigan Flood and Stormwater Association Conference in Detroit, and the Virginia Water Conference in Richmond, and will have a presence at the National Flood Conference as well. Please visit us at the FloodSmart booth!
Visit the National Flood Insurance Program Web sites at http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1109573620877&s=399&e=0019hHsA-DgwsjVvEJ9Ltzbzw5H_UpdbPbyp-l_pYW94SxzLTe2dA174OcZU4Tk2T12gWNG1MPx2u56BSQU6vwi29ucGOnJqPzZW33FdiJ4IxMP0WfbUJGRIGokA5PKT0s8FloodSmart.gov and Agents.FloodSmart.gov Email us at info@femafloodsmart.gov FEMA, 500 C Street SW, Washington, D.C. 20472
Showing posts with label National Flood Insurance Program. Show all posts
Showing posts with label National Flood Insurance Program. Show all posts
Monday, March 26, 2012
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Get Ready for Flood Safety Awareness Week - March 14-18, 2011
Flooding is a coast to coast threat to the United States and its territories in all months of the year. National Flood Safety Awareness Week, from March 14 to 18 this year, is intended to highlight some of the many ways floods can occur, the hazards associated with floods, and what you can do to save life and property.
You can prepare yourself and help prepare your communities by educating yourself on the risks of flooding and the ways you can prepare and respond to flooding. Here are some resources to get you started: The Ready Campaign has a page dedicated to flood safety awareness at www.ready.gov/floodawareness.
FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program has a variety of resources at www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/. Also, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has a Flood Safety page at www.floodsafety.noaa.gov. The DHS Center for Faith Based & Neighborhood Partnerships will hold a National Flood Awareness Safety Week Stakeholder conference call, Tuesday, March 15 from 12-1PM EST that will provide additional information on what it means to get ready for flood season. There is a limit of 300 people on the call.
Call-in information is: 1-888-391-6569 Pin # 8622712.
Find out more about being a StormReady community at http://www.stormready.noaa.gov/.
You can prepare yourself and help prepare your communities by educating yourself on the risks of flooding and the ways you can prepare and respond to flooding. Here are some resources to get you started: The Ready Campaign has a page dedicated to flood safety awareness at www.ready.gov/floodawareness.
FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program has a variety of resources at www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/. Also, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has a Flood Safety page at www.floodsafety.noaa.gov. The DHS Center for Faith Based & Neighborhood Partnerships will hold a National Flood Awareness Safety Week Stakeholder conference call, Tuesday, March 15 from 12-1PM EST that will provide additional information on what it means to get ready for flood season. There is a limit of 300 people on the call.
Call-in information is: 1-888-391-6569 Pin # 8622712.
Find out more about being a StormReady community at http://www.stormready.noaa.gov/.
Friday, December 3, 2010
CANDY CANES, MISTLETOE AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS?
Resolving to be Ready in 2011 - Important Gifts for Important People
SEATTLE – From winter storms, floods and even pandemic contagion— all disasters have one thing in common: they remind us of the importance of pre-disaster preparedness. But good intentions need to turn into tangible deeds, and according to FEMA Regional Administrator Ken Murphy, there’s no time like the holidays to start, by resolving to be ready before disaster strikes.
“The holiday season is a great time to give important, inexpensive gifts that say: ‘I want you to be safe!’ and reduce risk exposure for friends and loved ones,” said Murphy. “Gifts that can save lives are a wonderful way of welcoming in 2011. The dialogue and the mindset that goes along with it may mean even more than the gift itself.”
The Resolve to be Ready in 2011 initiative is led by FEMA’s Ready Campaign in partnership with Citizen Corps and The Advertising Council. For more information on the Ready Campaign and Citizen Corps, visit Ready.gov and CitizenCorps.gov.
Emergency and preparedness items that might make great gifts this Holiday Season include:
• Portable, battery powered radio with NOAA Weather Radio channels, and extra batteries.
• Enrollment in a CPR or first-aid class.
• GPS units for vehicles.
• Emergency generators.
• Emergency cell phones.
• Carbon Monoxide and Smoke detectors.
• Appropriate fire extinguishers (kitchen, garage, car).
• Disaster kits for homes, offices and autos (first aid kits, food, water and prescription medications for 72 hours, eyeglasses, extra clothing, blankets, flashlights, spare batteries, heavy-duty work gloves, and sturdy pair of shoes).
• Emergency escape ladders for second-story exit in a fire.
• Car kits (emergency flares, shovels, ice scrapers, flashlights and fluorescent distress flags).
• Pet Disaster kits (food, water, leashes, dishes and carrying case or crate).
• A camp stove with extra fuel.
• The gift of a gardener to cut back combustible vegetation from wildfire-vulnerable homes.
• National Flood Insurance.
-MORE-
Resolving to be Ready//Add One
Follow FEMA online at www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate's activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.
FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
SEATTLE – From winter storms, floods and even pandemic contagion— all disasters have one thing in common: they remind us of the importance of pre-disaster preparedness. But good intentions need to turn into tangible deeds, and according to FEMA Regional Administrator Ken Murphy, there’s no time like the holidays to start, by resolving to be ready before disaster strikes.
“The holiday season is a great time to give important, inexpensive gifts that say: ‘I want you to be safe!’ and reduce risk exposure for friends and loved ones,” said Murphy. “Gifts that can save lives are a wonderful way of welcoming in 2011. The dialogue and the mindset that goes along with it may mean even more than the gift itself.”
The Resolve to be Ready in 2011 initiative is led by FEMA’s Ready Campaign in partnership with Citizen Corps and The Advertising Council. For more information on the Ready Campaign and Citizen Corps, visit Ready.gov and CitizenCorps.gov.
Emergency and preparedness items that might make great gifts this Holiday Season include:
• Portable, battery powered radio with NOAA Weather Radio channels, and extra batteries.
• Enrollment in a CPR or first-aid class.
• GPS units for vehicles.
• Emergency generators.
• Emergency cell phones.
• Carbon Monoxide and Smoke detectors.
• Appropriate fire extinguishers (kitchen, garage, car).
• Disaster kits for homes, offices and autos (first aid kits, food, water and prescription medications for 72 hours, eyeglasses, extra clothing, blankets, flashlights, spare batteries, heavy-duty work gloves, and sturdy pair of shoes).
• Emergency escape ladders for second-story exit in a fire.
• Car kits (emergency flares, shovels, ice scrapers, flashlights and fluorescent distress flags).
• Pet Disaster kits (food, water, leashes, dishes and carrying case or crate).
• A camp stove with extra fuel.
• The gift of a gardener to cut back combustible vegetation from wildfire-vulnerable homes.
• National Flood Insurance.
-MORE-
Resolving to be Ready//Add One
Follow FEMA online at www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate's activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.
FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
Monday, October 25, 2010
LA NINA SIGNALS SOGGY SEASON
-Thirty-Day Count Down for Flood Insurance?-
SEATTLE—The National Weather Service is projecting La Nina weather conditions this year, with attendant wet weather and above average lowland snow events. Here in the Pacific Northwest, flood season traditionally runs early November to early March—and this year may be a real wet one. According to FEMA Regional Administrator Ken Murphy, National Flood Insurance offers the only comprehensive safety net against flood losses.
“Our first fall storm has already soaked roads and saturated soils throughout much of the Pacific Northwest, and floods are by far our leading cause of disaster-driven property loss,” said Murphy. “The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) pays off whether or not there is a Presidential disaster declaration. But there is a thirty-day waiting period before the coverage takes effect, so do not wait until waters rise.”
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policies are available to communities that agree to adopt and enforce sound floodplain management practices, and according to Murphy, virtually every community in the northwest qualifies. “By aggressively managing their floodplains, local officials can guarantee access to affordable coverage, and that’s important,” said Murphy. “If you already have flood insurance, keep it current—now is a good time to review your policy to make sure it meets your current needs. If you don’t have flood insurance, now is the time to reconsider your financial exposure.”
Flood insurance covers structural damage and contents for all insurable residential and non-residential buildings. Policies can be purchased from any licensed insurance agent or broker. Maximum coverage for single-family homes is $250,000 for the structure itself, and $100,000 for contents. Renters can also insure their personal belongings for up to $100,000. Businesses can insure buildings for up to $500,000 for the structure, and contents for up to $500,000.
For more information about the NFIP visit http://www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-800-427-4661.
FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
SEATTLE—The National Weather Service is projecting La Nina weather conditions this year, with attendant wet weather and above average lowland snow events. Here in the Pacific Northwest, flood season traditionally runs early November to early March—and this year may be a real wet one. According to FEMA Regional Administrator Ken Murphy, National Flood Insurance offers the only comprehensive safety net against flood losses.
“Our first fall storm has already soaked roads and saturated soils throughout much of the Pacific Northwest, and floods are by far our leading cause of disaster-driven property loss,” said Murphy. “The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) pays off whether or not there is a Presidential disaster declaration. But there is a thirty-day waiting period before the coverage takes effect, so do not wait until waters rise.”
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policies are available to communities that agree to adopt and enforce sound floodplain management practices, and according to Murphy, virtually every community in the northwest qualifies. “By aggressively managing their floodplains, local officials can guarantee access to affordable coverage, and that’s important,” said Murphy. “If you already have flood insurance, keep it current—now is a good time to review your policy to make sure it meets your current needs. If you don’t have flood insurance, now is the time to reconsider your financial exposure.”
Flood insurance covers structural damage and contents for all insurable residential and non-residential buildings. Policies can be purchased from any licensed insurance agent or broker. Maximum coverage for single-family homes is $250,000 for the structure itself, and $100,000 for contents. Renters can also insure their personal belongings for up to $100,000. Businesses can insure buildings for up to $500,000 for the structure, and contents for up to $500,000.
For more information about the NFIP visit http://www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-800-427-4661.
FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Flood season is coming - get insurance now
Flooding causes millions of dollars in damage yearly and the only way renters and homeowners can insure their property against such losses is with flood insurance. Flood insurance should be purchased now because there is a 30 waiting period before the policy will take effect and already the rains are upon us.
Floods can happen because of heavy rains, leaking levies, urban runoff, sandbags forcing water to other areas and rivers changing course.
Many people believe the following myths:
Myth 1: If my home floods, FEMA will come and fix it for me.
Truth: If the flooding is severe enough, the Governor may ask for a Federal declaration. If the President approves, FEMA may assist you with temporary housing and MINOR repairs. There are always loans but insurance is your best bet.
If the flooding is not severe enough to warrant government assistance, flood insurance will still help cover your losses. Without it, you would be stuck paying for repairs out of pocket. We often see flooding situations where stream or urban runoff impacts a few homes and therefore does not qualify for any government disaster aid. In those situations, a National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policy can save a homeowner or renter considerable financial losses.
Myth 2: My regular homeowner’s insurance will cover me if I get flooded.
Truth: The average home or business insurance policy does not cover flooding or other special events like earthquake. You need to get separate policies for these disasters.
The basic facts:
Homeowners can insure a home structure up to $250,000 and its contents up to $100,000. These can be two separate policies. Contents are not automatically included.
Renters can cover belongings up to $100,000. Non-residential property owners can insure buildings and contents up to $500,000.
The average yearly cost of a NFIP policy is around $400. Policies can be purchased from your local insurance agent if your county is a participant in the National Flood Insurance Program. Call your insurance agent for details.
The NFIP was created in 1968 to provide flood insurance at a reasonable cost and is administered by the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
More information on the National Flood Insurance program and your home’s flood risk can be found at www.floodsmart.gov .
Be informed and go to www.FEMA.gov for more information on different types of disasters. Oregon Emergency Management wants Oregonians to be well informed and prepared.
Floods can happen because of heavy rains, leaking levies, urban runoff, sandbags forcing water to other areas and rivers changing course.
Many people believe the following myths:
Myth 1: If my home floods, FEMA will come and fix it for me.
Truth: If the flooding is severe enough, the Governor may ask for a Federal declaration. If the President approves, FEMA may assist you with temporary housing and MINOR repairs. There are always loans but insurance is your best bet.
If the flooding is not severe enough to warrant government assistance, flood insurance will still help cover your losses. Without it, you would be stuck paying for repairs out of pocket. We often see flooding situations where stream or urban runoff impacts a few homes and therefore does not qualify for any government disaster aid. In those situations, a National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policy can save a homeowner or renter considerable financial losses.
Myth 2: My regular homeowner’s insurance will cover me if I get flooded.
Truth: The average home or business insurance policy does not cover flooding or other special events like earthquake. You need to get separate policies for these disasters.
The basic facts:
Homeowners can insure a home structure up to $250,000 and its contents up to $100,000. These can be two separate policies. Contents are not automatically included.
Renters can cover belongings up to $100,000. Non-residential property owners can insure buildings and contents up to $500,000.
The average yearly cost of a NFIP policy is around $400. Policies can be purchased from your local insurance agent if your county is a participant in the National Flood Insurance Program. Call your insurance agent for details.
The NFIP was created in 1968 to provide flood insurance at a reasonable cost and is administered by the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
More information on the National Flood Insurance program and your home’s flood risk can be found at www.floodsmart.gov .
Be informed and go to www.FEMA.gov for more information on different types of disasters. Oregon Emergency Management wants Oregonians to be well informed and prepared.
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