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Purchasing — and MAINTAINING — Flood Insurance is a Great Investment at Any Time

DENVER – There’s a hidden threat that strikes countless unprepared Americans each year – flooding. Unlike fire, wind, hail or most other perils, flood damage is not covered by a homeowners policy. An uninsured flood loss can undo a lifetime’s worth of effort and create a mountain of bills. Fortunately, a National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policy provides the defense against such losses and can ensure that a flood doesn’t bring financial ruin.

Flooding is an ever present threat; it can happen at any time and in virtually any location. While certain areas may be more prone to flooding – especially those in coastal areas or riverine environments – history has shown that almost no place is immune to flooding. Flooding can have many causes: a quick heavy rainfall or rapid snowmelt can cause flash flooding, a blocked culvert or storm sewer drain can create flooding in a city neighborhood, or prolonged wet weather can swell streams and rivers. Even dry conditions can pose a threat, as minimal rainfall in wildfire burn areas or drought stricken regions can create flash flooding when soils are unable absorb even slight precipitation.

Flood insurance is easy to get, the only requirement is that you live in a participating community (which might be a county or other jurisdiction for those living in unincorporated areas). That’s right; you don’t need to live in a floodplain to purchase a policy. In fact, if you live outside a floodplain you may be eligible for a preferred risk policy that has a much lower premium than for a policy in a higher flood risk area. And in most cases you can purchase an NFIP policy with the insurance agent you already deal with for other insurance needs. When that isn’t possible, NFIP can put you in touch with another agent that can get you a flood insurance policy.

One key difference of an NFIP policy from another insurance policy is the 30 day waiting period prior to the policy going into effect. But that doesn’t mean anyone should view a policy like a lottery ticket, something purchased only if flooding appears imminent. A policy should be viewed as protection against a continuing threat rather than a hedge against a singular event such as anticipated spring flooding or flooding following a wildfire.

The average cost of flood insurance is about $650 a year – less than $2 a day for financial protection from what could be devastating effects of a flood to one’s home or business. By purchasing a policy now, or keeping your existing policy, you have peace of mind. As with any insurance, be sure to talk with your agent about the specifics of your policy – how much coverage you need, coverage of contents as well as structure and any other questions you might have.

Find out more about your risk and flood insurance at www.floodsmart.gov. To purchase flood insurance or find an agent, call 1-800-427-2419.

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Purchasing — and MAINTAINING — Flood Insurance is a Great Investment at Any Time

3 Months Remain Before Ellis Co, TX Flood Maps Become Final

DENTON, Texas –– In three months, on Monday, June 3, 2013, new flood maps for Ellis County, Texas will become effective. Before that date, state, local and federal officials are encouraging everyone to view the maps to understand their flood risk and consider purchasing flood insurance.

Most property insurance policies do not cover the effects of a flood. Floods can place people at risk of uninsured loss to their businesses, homes and personal property if they don’t have either a private flood insurance policy or coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), a voluntary protection program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Flooding is the #1 natural disaster in the United States and only flood insurance covers these unexpected, damaging and sometimes fatal events. “Where there is rain, there could be flooding,” said FEMA Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “Everyone lives in a flood zone.

To learn if your community participates in the NFIP and to review the new flood maps, residents can contact their local floodplain administrator.

FEMA map specialists and flood insurance experts also are available to answer questions. They can be reached by phone and online chat:

To use the live chat service, visit http://go.usa.gov/r6C. Click on the “Live Chat” icon.
To contact a FEMA Map Specialist, call 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627) or send an email to FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.

FEMA encourages communities not currently participating in the NFIP to look at the benefits of joining the program. Participation in the NFIP can assure a faster recovery in the event of a devastating flood. Contacting a local insurance agent is the first step to obtaining information about insurance. Folks can visit www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-888-379-9531 to locate an agent in their area.

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FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion6 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

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3 Months Remain Before Ellis Co, TX Flood Maps Become Final

Less than 3 Months Remain Before Greene Co, AR Flood Maps Become Final

DENTON, Texas –– In less than three months, on Thursday, May 16, 2013, new flood maps for Greene County, Arkansas will become effective. Before that date, state, local and federal officials are encouraging everyone to view the maps to understand their flood risk and consider purchasing flood insurance.

To learn if your community participates in the NFIP and to review the new flood maps, residents can contact their local floodplain administrator.

FEMA map specialists and flood insurance experts also are available to answer questions. They can be reached by phone and online chat:

To see changes since the last map, visit http://maps.riskmap6.com/AR/Greene/
To use the live chat service, visit http://go.usa.gov/r6C. Click on the “Live Chat” icon.
To contact a FEMA Map Specialist, call 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627) or send an email to FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.

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Less than 3 Months Remain Before Greene Co, AR Flood Maps Become Final

To learn if your community participates in the NFIP and to review the new flood maps, residents can contact their local floodplain administrator.

FEMA map specialists and flood insurance experts also are available to answer questions. They can be reached by phone and online chat:

To see changes since the last map, visit http://maps.riskmap6.com/AR/Greene/
To use the live chat service, visit http://go.usa.gov/r6C. Click on the “Live Chat” icon.
To contact a FEMA Map Specialist, call 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627) or send an email to FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.

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Less than 3 Months Remain Before Greene Co, AR Flood Maps Become Final

Less Than 3 Months Remain Before Curry Co, NM Flood Maps Become Final

DENTON, Texas –– In less than three months, on Thursday, May 16, 2013, new flood maps for Curry County, New Mexico will become effective. Before that date, state, local and federal officials are encouraging everyone to view the maps to understand their flood risk and consider purchasing flood insurance.

To learn if your community participates in the NFIP and to review the new flood maps, residents can contact their local floodplain administrator.

FEMA map specialists and food insurance experts also are available to answer questions. They can be reached by phone and online chat:

To use the live chat service, visit http://go.usa.gov/r6C. Click on the “Live Chat” icon.
To contact a FEMA Map Specialist, call 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627) or send an email to FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.

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Less Than 3 Months Remain Before Curry Co, NM Flood Maps Become Final

Federal, State and Local Partners Team Up to Identify Texas Coastal Flood Risks: Storm surge study provides update on flood risks in Galveston and…

DENTON, Texas – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is updating flood maps in Galveston and Matagorda, Texas counties following the release of a new, comprehensive storm surge study that gives updated information on coastal flood risks.

As FEMA works to update the new flood maps, the agency is working closely with its federal, state and local partners to help these coastal communities better understand the current flood risk so that action can be taken to reduce that risk.

Meetings with local officials have already taken place and open houses for the general public are currently being scheduled. The local workshops provided an opportunity for local officials to review the storm surge study methods and get an update on the project’s progress. The open houses will help to educate the public about the current flood risk in the area. Public meetings will be posted on www.txchart.com.

The Texas-based coastal flood mapping effort is part of FEMA’s comprehensive approach to integrating flood hazard identification and analysis with risk communications for affected coastal counties. In addition to the Galveston and Matagorda counties, the effort also includes Aransas, Brazoria, Calhoun, Cameron, Chambers, Harris, Jackson, Jefferson, Kleberg, Nueces, Orange, Refugio, San Patricio, Victoria and Willacy.

Once a flood risk is identified, the next step is to consider the purchase of a flood policy from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The NFIP is currently undergoing a thorough modernization.

Meanwhile, contacting a local insurance agent is the first step to gather information about insurance. Folks can visit www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-888-379-9531 to locate an agent in their area.

Media note: If media would like to join an online, informational briefing beginning at 11.a.m. (CST) on Thursday, Jan. 24, 2013, please call us at 940-898-5454 for details.

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FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/femaregion6 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

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Federal, State and Local Partners Team Up to Identify Texas Coastal Flood Risks: Storm surge study provides update on flood risks in Galveston and…

FEMA Outreach to Help Agents Answer Flood Insurance Questions

WINDSOR, Conn. — How can flood insurance agents become better prepared to answer the many questions policyholders ask after a big flooding disaster like Hurricane Sandy?

That dialogue is taking place between FEMA and Connecticut insurance agents as a new outreach effort begun in December continues to expand the knowledge of agents who sell National Flood Insurance Program policies.

During the peak outreach from Jan. 14 – 25, FEMA will provide insurance agents with more in-depth training on National Flood Insurance Program policies, processes and risk management. The initiative will help insurance agents better serve Connecticut policyholders, property owners and renters who have questions about their flood insurance claims.

“It is important that consumers have all the facts about flood insurance so they can make informed decisions to manage risk and take control of their financial security. And it all starts with informed and knowledgeable insurance agents,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Albert Lewis.

FEMA flood insurance specialists expect to make in-person visits to more than 500 insurance agencies statewide during the two-week outreach initiative. They will hand-deliver hundreds of “NFIP Agent Tool Kits,” which include several information brochures and explanatory bulletins.

FEMA has made it a priority to conduct insurance agency visits in all the Connecticut coastal communities hit by Hurricane Sandy. As of Jan. 7, FEMA personnel have visited 69 agencies in 21 hard-hit communities. During this time FEMA will also be offering special NFIP informational webinars and agent training workshops.

The NFIP is a federal program that provides access to affordable, federally backed flood insurance protection for property owners.

Following Hurricane Sandy last year, FEMA kicked off a flood insurance education initiative in partnership with the state of Connecticut and the Independent Insurance Agents of Connecticut, Inc.

In December, FEMA opened a Flood Response Office at 1064 E. Main St., Meriden, CT 06450.

The office provides support to insurance agents and policyholders with questions about NFIP claims. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday. The office can be reached at 203-634-1118.

The Connecticut Insurance Department has a Consumer Helpline at 860-297-3900 or 800-203-3447. Policyholders can also e-mail their questions or complaints to the Insurance Department at cid.ca@ct.gov or visit the Department’s Web site at www.ct.gov/cid.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362. For TTY, call 800-462-7585.

For accessibility: The recommended font type is sans serif 12 point for regular print and sans serif 18 point when specifically printed for people with vision impairments.

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FEMA Outreach to Help Agents Answer Flood Insurance Questions

Don’t Let Misconceptions Get in the Way of Sandy Disaster Aid in R.I.

WARWICK, R.I.–Some Rhode Islanders affected by Hurricane Sandy have not registered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency for assistance because of misconceptions or lack of accurate information. Here are some examples.

My insurance agent told me I wouldn’t be able to get help from FEMA because I have insurance.

If you had storm damage or other disaster losses due to the storm, you should register with FEMA. You may now or in the future have storm related costs that your insurance doesn’t cover.

I thought assistance would affect my Social Security benefits, taxes, food stamps or Medicaid.

FEMA assistance does not affect benefits from other federal programs and it is not reportable as taxable income.

I thought it was too late for me to register, since I already cleaned up and made the repairs.

You may be eligible for reimbursement of your clean up and repair expenses.

I don’t want a loan from FEMA.

FEMA makes grants to help survivors recover. These are not loans and do not have to be repaid.

I’m a renter. I heard FEMA is just for homeowners.

FEMA helps homeowners and renters with disaster-related losses.

I received disaster assistance from FEMA in 2010. I thought I couldn’t get it again this year.

If you had damage from another federally declared disaster, you may register for new assistance.

I thought my income was too high for me to qualify.

There is no income test for FEMA aid. Anyone with disaster damage or loss may be eligible for help.

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Don’t Let Misconceptions Get in the Way of Sandy Disaster Aid in R.I.

FEMA, State Join Forces to Kick Off Flood Insurance Education Initiative in Connecticut

WINDSOR, Conn. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency, in partnership with the state of Connecticut and the Independent Insurance Agents of Connecticut, Inc., is kicking off a flood insurance education initiative this week.

The goal is to provide insurance agents with more in-depth knowledge of the National Flood Insurance Program — its policies and processes — to better serve Connecticut property owners and renters affected by Hurricane Sandy.

FEMA is mailing an NFIP “Agent Tool Kit” to each member of the Independent Insurance Agents of Connecticut. The material is informative, practical and can be shared with policyholders.

The NFIP Flood Response Office is now open in Meriden. The office is staffed by a lead general adjuster and support staff with knowledge of policy provisions. They are capable of assisting insurance agents and their policyholders with any questions about NFIP claims.

The office is located at 1064 E. Main St., Meriden, CT 06450. Operating hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday. The office will remain open for as long as there is a need for the service in the wake of Sandy. The Flood Response Office can be reached at 203-634-1118.

The Connecticut Insurance Department has a number that policyholders can call if they are having issues with their insurance companies related to homeowners insurance claims or other insurance claims matters in the wake of Sandy. Call the Consumer Helpline at 860-297-3900 or 800-203-3447. Policyholders can also e-mail their questions or complaints to the Insurance Department at: cid.ca@ct.gov or visit the Department’s Web site at www.ct.gov/cid.

FEMA’s NFIP insurance specialists are meeting with all agents in the hardest-hit coastal communities to discuss procedures, claims and recovery efforts. These visits started the week of Dec. 2 and will continue throughout the recovery phase of operation.

FEMA is offering special NFIP informational webinars and agent training workshops to be held in Connecticut over the next two months.

Another goal of this initiative is to improve insurance agents’ working knowledge of how Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) coverage, included in most NFIP flood insurance policies, can help policyholders pay the added cost of rebuilding to comply with local floodplain ordinances.

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FEMA, State Join Forces to Kick Off Flood Insurance Education Initiative in Connecticut

FEMA Urges Quick Filing of Insurance Claims

NEW YORK – Property owners who sustained flood damages and are insured by policies underwritten by the Federal Emergency Management Agency are strongly urged to file claims immediately.

“The faster the claim is filed, the sooner the settlement process can begin,” said David Passey of FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program. “Individuals start the claim process by calling their insurance agent or company.”

The policyholder should provide the name of the issuing agent or company, the policy number and a phone number or email address where he or she can be reached, Passey said. After filing a claim, an adjuster will contact the policyholder within a few days to schedule an appointment for the initial inspection.

A “Proof of Loss” statement is required, which includes the detailed estimates of the cost to repair or replace damaged property. In most cases, the adjuster will provide a suggested Proof of Loss, but the ultimate responsibility for making sure the document is complete, accurate and filed on time is with the policyholder.

Should further damage be discovered after the adjuster has made an inspection, policyholders can file a supplemental claim.

“It is a good idea to separate damaged items from those that are OK,” Passey said. “And if possible, take lots of photographs of water in the property and things that are damaged. In case you are required to dispose of certain things, the photos will provide a record of what was ruined and removed.”

FEMA National Flood Insurance Program representatives can be reached at 800-427-4661 should policyholders have questions that cannot be answered by agents. More information is available at www.floodsmart.gov.

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FEMA Urges Quick Filing of Insurance Claims

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