Wildfire Burn-Off Increases Risks of Flooding
Flood Insurance Offers Peace of Mind
Release Date: November 8, 2007
Release Number: 1731-023
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PASADENA, Calif. -- More than 81,640 Californians, who live in the seven-county disaster area, have flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). That's good news.
"This sound investment may offer peace of mind for these policyholders as the rainy season approaches," said Federal Coordinating Officer Mike Hall. "It also should be a wake-up call for those who are without flood coverage."
"Californians know first-hand that when wildfires burn off hillside vegetation, flooding and mudflows may not be far behind," said State Coordinating Officer Henry Renteria of the Governor's Office of Emergency Services.
"Reduced vegetation lessens the amount of rainwater the burn areas can absorb and destabilizes hillsides. After intense or prolonged rains, the risk of flooding and mudflows increases. Destabilization during and after intense and prolonged rains puts residents at increased risk of danger to persons and property," said Renteria.
Standard homeowner's insurance does not cover flood damage. However, most Californians can buy flood insurance through the federally-sponsored NFIP.
The NFIP program has a 30-day waiting period, giving Californians a chance to enroll before the winter rains begin.
Since 1968, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has offered flood insurance coverage through the NFIP at a reasonable cost. Over the lifetime of a 30-year mortgage, people who live in floodplains are five times more likely to experience a flood compared to a fire.
"Buying flood insurance puts you back in control," said FEMA's NFIP Program Specialist Cynthia McKenzie, who is working this disaster. "Maintaining an NFIP policy is one of the most cost-effective ways to protect yourself against financial ruin from flood damage, and with flood insurance, claims are paid even if the President does not declare a federal disaster."
Coverage is available for homeowners, business owners, and renters. Customers have the option to purchase building coverage, contents coverage, or both.
Policies start at $20,000 and can go up to $250,000 for residential buildings and up to $500,000 for non-residential buildings. Contents coverage starts at $8,000 and can go up to $100,000 for residential and $500,000 for non residential.
The NFIP is based on an agreement between local communities and the federal government. Communities that participate in NFIP must implement programs that reduce flood risks through building codes and zoning regulations.
More information about NFIP or names of nearby agents is available by calling 1-800-427-2419 or visiting www.floodsmart.gov.
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: Thursday, 08-Nov-2007 11:05:18