FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program Provides Psychological And Financial Safety Net For Home Owners, Business Owners, And Renters
Release Date: November 18, 2003
Release Number: 1498-29
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PASADENA, Calif. -- Do you think your homeowner's policy covers flooding and mudflows? Think again. Homeowner policies do not cover these events.
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), offers flood insurance policies for purchase in many local communities, including those impacted by the recent southern California wildfires.
As a result of the fires and the coming winter rains, there is an increased danger of flooding and mudflows in these communities, especially those in hillside and mountain areas. Although FEMA and other state and federal agencies are providing disaster relief for wildfire disaster victims, you shouldn't assume that federal disaster assistance for flooding will automatically be made available in the event of flooding. Federal assistance becomes available only if a federal disaster declaration for flooding is issued by the President.
"Homeowners, business owners and renters are encouraged to protect their investment in their homes and belongings by purchasing flood insurance," said Mike Shore, national federal flood program specialist for FEMA. Flood insurance claims under purchased NFIP policies will be paid whether there is a federal disaster declaration or not. But it is important to note that upon purchase there is a 30-day waiting period before the flood insurance policy takes effect.
Many homeowners mistakenly believe that federal flood insurance can only be purchased within designated floodplains. Flood insurance may be purchased in any participating community, said Shore. Close to one-third of all flood insurance claims come from outside of designated hazard flood areas.
For additional information on flood insurance, call NFIP at 1-888-225-5356.
The Governor's Office of Emergency Services coordinates overall state agency response to major disasters in support of local government. The office is responsible for ensuring California's readiness to respond to and recover from natural, manmade, and war-caused emergencies, and for assisting local governments in their emergency preparedness, response, mitigation and recovery efforts.
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 18-Nov-2003 11:40:11