Myrtle Beach Recognized For Reducing Flood Risk 

Release Date: April 21, 2004
Release Number: R4-04-075

ATLANTA, Ga. -- Myrtle Beach, SC, has been rewarded for recent efforts to curb the risk of flooding, the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) says, by having its flood risk rating significantly reduced.

Because of the city's work in adopting ordinances requiring greater open space preservation and stronger regulation of development, Myrtle Beach residents with flood insurance policies can look forward to a 25 percent reduction in premiums. The city's risk rating under the FEMA-administered National Flood Insurance Program's (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS) dropped from seven to five, indicating a lower risk of flood damage.

The city's efforts will be formally recognized in an upcoming meeting when Todd Davison, mitigation division director for FEMA Region IV, presents a plaque to the Myrtle Beach officials.

“This is great news for the people of Myrtle Beach,” said FEMA Region IV Acting Director Mary Lynne Miller. “Not only can they look forward to a considerably reduced threat of flooding in the years ahead, they will also pay much less to insure against that threat.”

The rating reduction, which became effective May 1, 2003, will mean a total savings of more than $397,421 a year to the 3,065 households with flood insurance policies in the city, Miller said. For the average policyholder, the numbers translate to a savings of about $59 annually.

Some 2.9 million policyholders in 994 communities around the country now benefit from the NFIP's method of rewarding communities that undertake actions to lessen flood risk. That method, called the CRS, assigns points to communities based on activities undertaken to reduce the level of risk. The better the flood risk management, the lower the score, and the lower the insurance premiums.

For information about flood insurance, property owners should contact their insurance agent or call the NFIP toll-free information line, 1-800-427-4661. Flood insurance information is also available on the FEMA website at www.fema.gov/nfip.

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: Wednesday, 21-Apr-2004 10:29:45