Release Date: March 1, 2000
Release Number: R7-00-03
» 2000 Region VII News Releases
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Federal and state emergency management officials will conduct three National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) seminars in Missouri next week to promote flood insurance and floodplain management. The seminars will be held in Lebanon, Eureka and Chesterfield.
The seminars are co-sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency and the Missouri Association of Floodplain Managers. The seminars are designed to help insurance producers and realtors better understand the flood insurance program.
"Flooding is the most common type of disaster to which FEMA responds," said John Miller, director of FEMA's Region VII office in Kansas City. "With that in mind, FEMA continues to reach out to communities to explain the importance and benefits of purchasing and maintaining flood insurance policies."
Miller noted that recent flooding across the country further supports the fact that flooding can occur at any time, and individuals, businesses and communities should protect themselves by purchasing flood insurance.
The dates and locations for the seminars are:
March 7 | Lebanon | Mills CenterBR
Cowan Civic Center Complex 650 Mills Drive and Elm Street |
March 8 | Eureka | William F. Weber Community Center Community Room 333 Bald Hill Road |
March 9 | Chesterfield | Chesterfield Government Center Council Chambers 16052 Swingley Ridge Road. |
The seminars run from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m., with registration beginning at 7:30 a.m. During the morning session, staff from the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) will present a new insurance class, "Floodplain Management for the New Millennium". NFIP Region VII staff will present another new insurance class, "Sell an Umbrella? - Sell a Flood Policy", during the afternoon session.
There is a $25 registration fee per person and pre-registration is advised. Missouri insurance producers earn eight hours of continuing education credit for attending both sessions. Six hours of continuing education credit is available to Missouri real estate licensees by attending both sessions. By attending the morning session only, Missouri real estate appraisers can earn four hours of continuing education credit.
"It is important that we provide as much assistance as possible to local officials, lenders, agents and realtors regarding the National Flood Insurance Program," Miller 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."
To obtain additional information regarding these seminars, call (913) 780-4238 or send an e-mail message to nfipvii@sound.net.
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 4 million NFIP policies, representing more than $460 billion in coverage are in force in more than 19,000 participating communities. Flood insurance can be purchased from any licensed property insurance agent.
Last Modified: Monday, 15-Dec-2003 12:31:36