May 2002 Flood Anniversary Approaches: West Virginians Look To Flood Insurance
Release Date: April 29, 2003
Release Number: 1455-51
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Charleston, WV - As the first anniversary of the May 2, 2002 flood approaches, West Virginians look toward measures that could prevent repeated loss. More than 7,000 eligible residents in six counties received nearly $16 million in assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the state after the flooding and landslides last year.
Although flooding is the leading cause of property loss from natural disasters in this country, ordinary homeowner's policy does not cover flood damage. National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policies are available to residents and businesses in communities that have agreed to adopt and enforce sound floodplain management practices to reduce future flood damage. It is available in or out of the floodplain for buildings and contents.
You can buy NFIP flood insurance through most major private insurance companies and licensed property insurance agents who sell homeowners' or property insurance or call the NFIP's toll-free information line at 800-427-4661.
County breakdown of assistance for the May 2002 flood includes:
- Kanawha, $88,762;
- McDowell, $12,648,384;
- Mercer, $1,833,014;
- Mingo, $968,910;
- Raleigh, $202,507; and
- Wyoming, $171,052.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 30-Apr-2003 08:49:08