Of the National Flood Insurance Program

Unfortunately, many people do not know the basic concepts about floods and flood insurance. It is important for consumers to have information about their flood risks and understand basic concepts about flood insurance in order to make informed decisions. Many people don’t know that their homeowner insurance does not cover floods. The following data and figures are important since they provide a good view of flood risk, its impact and protection options.

Risk

•    Floods are main natural disasters in the United States.
•    Water only six inches deep can cause thousands of dollars in damage.
•    Homeowner insurance do not cover flood damage.
•    Between twenty and 25 percent of all floods insurance claims are submitted in areas of low to moderate risk.
•    Developments in new terrains may increase flood risk, especially if the construction alters natural roads.
•    More than 4.6 million Americans are protected by flood insurance but many more are at risk.
•    Federal assistance for disasters usually consists of a loan that must be paid with interest and is only available when a disaster is declared on a federal level.
•    There is a 26 chance to experience a flood during a 30 year mortgage compared to nine percent chance of a fire occurring.

After a flood, community destruction is obvious. But during the flood and after it, there is certain basic information that must be considered and that will help to protect your health and safety.