City Of Scio Earns CRS 9 Rating
Residents Pay Less For Flood Insurance
Release Date: May 13, 2004
Release Number: R10-04-100
SALEM, Ore. -- City of Scio residents can now enjoy reduced flood insurance premiums as a result of their city’s active participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS). According to FEMA Regional Director John Pennington, they’ll not only pay less in insurance premiums, but enjoy reduced exposure to flood damage.
“The CRS rewards communities for implementing programs and policies which protect their citizens from flooding,” said Pennington. “Such activities can range from mapping, regulations and flood damage reduction to flood preparedness and public awareness programs. Scio’s new regulatory standards, public education outreach and open space preservation initiatives have earned a CRS Class 9 rating.”
Scio City Manager Joyce Morse agrees. “We’ve worked hard to educate our citizenry on flood risks and floodplain regulations, and have reduced repetitive flood losses by preserving 5 acres in the open flood hazard area as open space,” said Morse. “We can’t stop the rain, but we can help protect our citizens from the worst effects of flooding. And after all, that’s what the CRS is all about.”
Flood insurance premium reductions resulting from “above and beyond the minimum” initiatives 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. Scio’s new Class 9 rating has earned policyholders a five percent reduction on flood insurance premiums.
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Thursday, 13-May-2004 10:52:55