When flood risk becomes a reality
The fierce rains in California have prompted federal authorities to warn residents about flood risks. The Federal Emergency Management Agency said that in the last 10 years alone, there have been three large-scale, federally declared flood disasters in the state. During that time, residents filed more than 20,000 flood insurance claims and received more than $244 million in payments.
“Residents should know how to prepare for these storms and should be aware that their homeowners’ insurance does not cover flood and mudflow damage,” said Michael D. Brown, undersecretary for Emergency Preparedness and Response in the Department of Homeland Security. FEMA became part of the department in 2003.
The federally backed National Flood Insurance Program provides coverage to homeowners, renters and business owners in communities that adopt and enforce floodplain management ordinances to reduce future losses by regulating construction in high-risk areas.
To learn more about your flood risk and how to protect yourself, visit the National Flood Insurance Program website, www.floodsmart.gov or call (800) 427-2419.
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