California Flood Preparedness Week: The Best Time to Buy Flood Insurance
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| California’s Flood Preparedness Week will take place October 20 to October 25, 2014. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the California Department of Water Resources, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, along with other Federal and State agencies, are teaming up with local communities to help educate residents and business owners about California’s diverse flood hazards and encourage them to be prepared and take action to reduce their flood risk. |
| Throughout the week, residents can learn more about their local flood risk through a number of planned activities, including exercises, demonstrations, roundtables, and webinars. This is a timely opportunity for everyone to review the importance of understanding their flood risk and financially protecting their homes or businesses with flood insurance. |
Key Facts About California Floods
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| Every county in the State has had at least one federally declared flood disaster in the past 20 years. It is vital for the public to understand that flood risk is real. |
| Even though flooding can happen at any time of the year, California’s flood season officially starts October 15. After an extended period of drought-like conditions, flooding is more likely to occur because the ground cannot easily absorb rainwater. Residents are subject to river and coastal flooding as well as alluvial fan, tsunami, deep floodplain, and debris flow flooding. |
| In recent years, the State has had increased wildfire activity. Normally, vegetation absorbs rainfall, reducing runoff. However, wildfires leave the ground charred, barren, and unable to absorb water, creating conditions ripe for flash flooding and mudflow. |
| Not every part of California experiences every type of flooding, but virtually every property faces some risk. Statewide, about 1.4 million people live and work in high-risk flood areas. But they’re not the only ones at risk for flooding: Nationwide, more than 20 percent of all National Flood Insurance Program flood claims are for properties located outside of mapped high-risk flood areas. |
| Unfortunately, many people do not realize that most standard homeowners and commercial property policies do not cover flood damage. |
Key Facts About Flood Insurance
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| Flood insurance is the best way for homeowners to financially protect their property. Many people, however, think about flood protection only when a major event occurs. But all clients should know that just a few inches of water can cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage. The FloodSmart Cost of Flooding tool helps clients visualize the amount of damage flood water can cause. All property owners need to be aware that typically there is a 30-day wait before a policy goes into effect, so the time to act is now. And coverage starts as low as $129 a year in moderate- to low-risk flood areas. |
| Visit the HDAFloodPreparedness website to learn more about the numerous planned activities scheduled during California Flood Preparedness Week. You’ll also find flood facts and information about California’s flood risks. |
