Post-Fire Advisory Flood Hazard Maps Now Available
Release Date: December 2, 2003
Release Number: 1498-43
» More Information on California Wildfires
PASADENA, Calif. -- Post-Fire Advisory Flood Hazard Maps are now available on the Internet at http://www.capostfirefloods.net. “After the fires,” said Federal Coordinating Officer William Carwile III, of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), “the short-term flood risk in and surrounding the burn areas dramatically increased. These maps are a tool for the general public and local governments to use in determining what their risk might be and what steps they might take to mitigate those risks.”
The maps, developed from an analysis initiated by FEMA, show the current, increased flood hazard created by the wildfires. The maps are intended to provide a general understanding of the approximate, increased flood risk for the five counties studied. They do not replace the current Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for determining the flood insurance premium corresponding to a particular location.
Although numerous federal, state, and local agencies are taking measures on hill and mountain sides to protect property and lives, it may take three to five years for the vegetation to recover enough to lessen the likelihood of increased water runoff in the burned areas.
“The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (OES) and FEMA are working with local, state, and federal agencies to reduce the threat of flooding and mudflows in the burn areas, but the general public must do its part,” said Dallas Jones, state coordinating officer and director of OES. “We urge people living in these areas to talk to local emergency officials about the steps they should take to protect themselves and their property.”
Mountains normally absorb most rainfall, but the effects of wildfires on vegetation and soils can cause substantial increases in runoff, significantly increasing flood hazards in fire-affected watersheds.
"Because there's only so much we can do to alleviate the effects of the fires on mountainsides, we suggest renters, home owners and business owners consider purchasing flood insurance to protect their property,” continued Carwile. “ People should purchase flood insurance now because there is a 30-day waiting period before their policies go into effect. The cost of flood insurance for these burned areas will not be changed because of the temporary increase in the flood hazard.”
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), administered by FEMA, offers flood insurance policies for purchase in communities affected or damaged by the recent southern California wildfires. Homeowners, renters and business owners can purchase flood policies through local insurance agents. For additional information on flood insurance, residents can call NFIP at 1-800-427-4661.
The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services coordinates overall state agency response to major disasters in support of local government. The office is responsible for assuring California’s readiness to respond to and recover from natural, manmade, and war-caused emergencies, and for assisting local governments in their emergency preparedness, response, mitigation, and recovery efforts.
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 the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 02-Dec-2003 11:21:53