Now is the Time to Buy Flood Insurance 

Release Date: February 21, 2007
Release Number: 1672-002

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

SALEM, Ore. -- Heavy rains from late October through March mark the rainy season in the Pacific Northwest, bringing the majority of yearly rainfall to the region from intense storms over the Pacific Ocean . Oregon has already experienced flooding in late November causing riverbanks to overflow and levees to be breached, resulting in millions of dollars in damages.

Dangerous or damaging floods don't always mean dramatic, rushing waters through the streets. Just a single inch of water can cause costly damage to homes and businesses. Only flood insurance offers financial protection from flooding.

Many homeowners and business owners think that because they aren't required to have flood insurance, they don't need it, or they think their insurance will cover flooding. Most insurance does not cover flooding - a separate flood insurance policy is necessary. People in the Pacific Northwest, no matter where they live, can and should get flood insurance...even if it is not required by their lender.

Flood insurance is affordable. In low- to moderate-risk areas, homeowners and renters can protect their property with lower-cost Preferred Risk Policies (PRPs) that start at just $112 a year.

Learn more about flood risk and flood insurance at www.FloodSmart.gov.

FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident, initiates mitigation activities and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA works closely with State and local emergency managers, law enforcement personnel, firefighters, and other first responders. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, economic status or retaliation. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, you should call FEMA toll-free at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or contact your State Office of Equal Rights. If suspicious of any abuse of FEMA programs, please contact the fraud hotline at 1-800-323-8603.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 21-Feb-2007 15:31:44