King County First County In Nation To Achieve Crs Class 2 Status
Residents to Save 40% on Flood Insurance Premiums
Release Date: October 3, 2007
Release Number: R10-07-XX
SEATTLE, Wash. -- King County Residents in the state of Washington will enjoy reduced flood insurance premiums, thanks to their county's active participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS). According to FEMA Regional Administrator Susan Reinertson, they'll not only pay less in insurance premiums, but enjoy reduced exposure to flood damage.
"The CRS rewards communities that proactively regulate floodplains, champion flood maps, flood preparedness and flood damage reduction policies, and engage in effective public awareness programs," said Reinertson. "King County's aggressive commitment to public safety and sound floodplain management has earned a Class 2 CRS rating, the highest of any County in the nation."
King County Executive Ron Sims agrees. "We've worked hard to foster community responsibility for hazard reduction, while enhancing education, training, and the public's awareness of flood hazards in King County," Sims said. "As a national leader in the Community Rating System, we are preparing for, responding to, and minimizing the impacts of future flood disasters."
Flood insurance premium reductions resulting from qualifying community activities run in five percent increments, from five percent to 45 percent. Class ratings range from Ten to One. The higher the flood protection activity, the lower the Class rating. King County's Class 2 Rating provides a 40 percent discount on King County NFIP policies, for an average annual premium of $546. With 1,965 policies currently in force in unincorporated King County, that's an average savings of $399 per policy for floodplain residents.
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, 03-Oct-2007 11:20:29