NFIP (Flood Insurance) Available To Flood Victims 

Release Date: December 23, 2007
Release Number: 1734-018

» More Information on Washington Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides

Lacey, Wash. -- Flood insurance is typically not part of a home or business's regular insurance. Having this additional coverage can make a huge difference when faced with needing to make repairs and replace items following a flood. Flood insurance can help you recover after a flood.

While the numbers are not in yet, only a small percentage of Washington residents who registered for government disaster assistance because of the recent sever storms and flooding in early December had flood insurance.

Flood insurance is required for residents living in a Special Flood Hazard Area. If residents living in a flood zone get flooded they may be eligible for disaster assistance. However, if it happens a second time they are then required to have flood insurance. Those who do not live in the flood plain may purchase flood insurance but are not required to have it in order to receive disaster assistance if their home or business is flooded. The annual cost of a policy averages around $350.

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) allows property owners to purchase preferred risk flood insurance policies from the federal government if the insured property is outside the flood plain. NFIP can be purchased through a licensed private insurance company or independent property and casualty agent. These policies are available to property owners in all communities participating in the NFIP. Most communities in Washington are participants in NFIP.

When a community participates in the NFIP, they adopt and enforce a floodplain management ordinance that minimizes future flood risks to new or existing construction. The ordinance requires that communities adhere to certain building requirements or set standards for construction in flood-prone areas.

More information about NFIP is available by calling 800-427-2419, or by visiting www.floodsmart.gov to learn flood risk information for a specific address. Additional information on the NFIP is also available at 800-427-4661 or online at www.fema.gov/NFIP.

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: Wednesday, 26-Dec-2007 11:39:18