Allison Disaster Sparks Houston Area Flood Insurance Sign-Up
Release Date: December 3, 2001
Release Number: 1379-122
» More Information on Texas Severe Storms & Flooding
Houston, TX -- There have been 46,469 new National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policies issued in Harris County since Tropical Storm Allison dumped 30 inches of rain on Houston in early June, according to figures released this week by the NFIP.
Total policies in force for the City of Houston have increased from 63,725 on May 31 to 85,036 on September 30, the date of the last reporting period. During that period 21,311 homes were added to those covered by flood insurance. Unincorporated Harris County has seen total policies in force escalate from 35,772 to 60,930 for the same reporting period.
"This jump in the number of policies in force is actually a positive trend that shows the tremendous concern of Houston area residents who realize the importance of safeguarding their homes with NFIP coverage," commented Federal Coordinating Officer Scott Wells with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). "Our goal is to continue emphasizing the importance of this coverage in hopes that all properties are in the NFIP flood protection fold."
"The figures released give strong support that the mitigation message is not only being heard, but is being supported by residents who realize that the cost of NFIP flood insurance is an investment in protecting their property," said State Coordinating Officer Butch Smith with the Division of Emergency Management (DEM), Texas Department of Public Safety.
Full information on the NFIP is available by calling 1-888-FLOOD29 or visiting the NFIP web site at www.fema.gov/nfip
Last Modified: Friday, 17-Oct-2003 10:34:08