Release Date: January 11, 2008
Release Number: R7-08-008
» 2008 Region VII News Releases
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) officials will hold workshops in Kansas in January and February to help insurance producers, lenders and community/government officials better understand the flood insurance program.
The workshops are co-sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Kansas Association of Insurance Agents. Richard Hainje, director of FEMA's Region VII office in Kansas City, said, "Flooding is the most common type of disaster to which FEMA responds. Because of that, we continue to reach out to communities to explain the importance and benefits of purchasing and retaining flood insurance policies."
The dates and locations for the workshops are:
January 15
Overland Park
City Hall
Conference Room 1
8500 Santa Fe Dr.
February 12
Topeka Shawnee County Annex
Appraisers Conference Room
1515 NW Saline St.
Both sessions run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Registration at both seminars begins at 7:30 a.m. There is a $45 registration fee per person for the entire day; for the morning session only the fee is $30. Pre-registration is advised. To obtain registration forms and additional information, email info@kaia.com or register online at ks.iiaa.org/forms/educ_form.htm.
Each session provides four hours of continuing education credit for all Kansas insurance professionals. Participating in both morning and afternoon sessions provides eight hours of continuing education credit.
"It is important that we provide as much assistance as possible to local officials, lenders, agents and real estate professionals regarding the NFIP," Hainje said. "Having businesses and individuals covered by flood insurance means less financial risk for them in the event of a flood. Increased flood insurance coverage in flood-prone areas also means fewer tax dollars are likely to be spent on future flood-related disasters."
The NFIP, administered by FEMA, makes federally backed flood insurance available in communities that adopt and enforce floodplain management ordinances to reduce future flood damages. Currently, more than 5.5 million NFIP policies, representing more than $1.1 trillion in coverage, are in force in more than 20,000 participating communities nationwide. Flood insurance can be purchased from any licensed property insurance agent for properties in participating communities.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Monday, 10-Mar-2008 09:48:10