Reduced Rates For Pacific NW Communities
Already a Bargain, Many NFIP Policy Holders to Pay Even Less
Release Date: September 29, 2006
Release Number: R10-06-038
SEATTLE, Wash. -- Property owners in selected communities in Oregon, Idaho and Washington State are paying less for flood insurance, as of October 1, 2006. According to FEMA Acting Regional Director Dennis Hunsinger, that's thanks to special efforts by Northwest communities participating in FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program Community Rating System (CRS).
"The CRS rewards communities that voluntarily take steps to reduce the risk of flooding, and increase the effectiveness of flood protection above and beyond those minimum actions required for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program," said Hunsinger. "Activities can fall under one or more of the following categories: Mapping and Regulations, Flood Damage Reduction, Flood Preparedness or Public Awareness."
Flood insurance premium reductions resulting from "above and beyond the minimum" initiatives run in five percent increments, from five percent to 45 percent. Class ratings range from Ten to One. The higher the flood protection activity, the lower the Class rating.
Five Pacific Northwest CRS communities earned additional flood insurance premium reductions of five or ten percent for their residents:
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Nez Perce County (Class Seven) in Idaho;
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Albany (Class Seven) and Tillamook (Class Eight) in Oregon; and
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Skagit County (Class Five) and Whatcom County (Class Six) in Washington.
Over 5.2 million flood insurance policies are currently in force in more than 20,000 communities across America that participate in the NFIP. Nationally, over 1,049 communities now benefit from membership in the Community Rating System.
For more information about the NFIP visit www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-800-427-4661. For more information on flood hazard mapping, visit hazards.fema.gov or call FEMA's Map Assistance Center at: (877) FEMA-MAP or (877) 336-2627.
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.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following national incidents. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Friday, 29-Sep-2006 09:21:42