Udall Urges Homeowners Near High Park, Waldo Canyon Burn Areas to Purchase Federal Flood Insurance
Mark Udall urged homeowners in and around the High Park Fire and Waldo Canyon Fire burn areas to purchase federal flood insurance before waivers for the normal 30-day waiting period for coverage expires. The deadline for homeowners living in and around the High Park Fire burn area is Wednesday, Aug. 29; the deadline for homeowners living in and around the Waldo Canyon Fire burn area is Saturday, Sept. 8.
“Earlier this year, Colorado experienced two of the most destructive blazes in the state's history. As too many homeowners have seen, the aftereffects of large fires can threaten homes long after their final embers are extinguished,” Udall said. “I worked hard to pass this legislation, and now I want to strongly encourage homeowners to act to ensure that they are prepared for any flooding that results from the High Park Fire and the Waldo Canyon Fire.”
Udall strongly urged homeowners living near the burn areas to also purchase federal flood insurance before the waiver period expires. In the event of a large rainfall in the burn area, flooding could affect areas downstream and outside of where the fire actually burned.
Udall worked with Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.) to pass legislation earlier this year to allow FEMA to waive the 30-day waiting period on newly purchased flood insurance policies for those living in areas that have become prone to flooding as a result of wildfires on federal land. He later lauded FEMA for quickly implementing the new law.
For more information on flood insurance or to find a flood insurance carrier, contact the National Flood Insurance Program at 1-800-427-2419 or via www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart.