Flood Insurance Pays Off For Those Who Plan Ahead 

Release Date: July 5, 2005
Release Number: 1590-001

» More Information on Nebraska Severe Storms and Flooding

Grand Island, Neb. -- Following recent flooding, many Nebraskans are asking about flood insurance availability and coverage.

Flood insurance is the only way to cover losses from America’s #1 natural disaster. In the life of the average 30 year mortgage, there is a 9 percent chance of a fire-related loss. In contrast, there is a 26 percent chance for a flood-related loss. Flooding can occur anywhere, not just in a floodplain.

Flood insurance is available to any Nebraska homeowner, renter or business owner located in one of the 341 communities participating in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Community participation requires adopting and enforcing local floodplain management ordinances designed to lower the risk of future flood losses.

What you need to know about flood insurance:

  1. Know that your homeowner’s policy doesn’t cover you from flooding. Only flood insurance protects you against flood damage.
  2. There is a 30-day waiting period to get flood insurance. Learn your risk and act now. The average cost of a flood insurance policy is $400 a year. For those living in low-to-moderate risk areas, there is a Preferred Risk Policy available for little more than $100
  3. Make sure you know what your policy covers -- the building, the contents, etc.
  4. There are separate flood insurance policies for structure coverage and for contents coverage.
  5. Floods and flash floods happen in both low and high-risk flood zones. One in four flood loss claims is filed in low-risk areas.
  6. Federal flood insurance can be purchased through most major insurance agents or by calling 1-800-427-2419 to find an agent near you.

Even though flood insurance may not replace property and possessions to pre-disaster conditions, it is a best first step to recovering from a flood, even a small one that does not merit a presidential disaster declaration.

The Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (NDNR) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) encourage all Nebraskans to get flood smart by visiting FEMA’s www.floodsmart.gov website. Protect yourself and your loved ones from flood damages and losses by purchasing a flood insurance policy. When it comes to flooding, there is no substitute for flood insurance.

FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 05-Jul-2005 14:27:37