(Washington, D.C., Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024) – Flooding can happen anywhere, even far from a water source. Cities have hidden flood risks that can put homes and businesses in danger. Changing weather patterns, small streams and limited drainage can turn heavy rain into flash floods in minutes. With more concrete and fewer places for water to drain, metropolitan areas are at risk of increased flooding after a storm.
FEMA is urging residents in metropolitan cities to understand their flood risk and act now. Since most homeowners and renters insurance policies do not cover flood damage, having a flood insurance policy is vital.
Sarah Ice, Marketing & Engagement Branch Chief, Federal Insurance, FEMA explains how residents can protect their homes now.
SOUNDBITE #1:
BIG CITY LIVING COMES WITH PLENTY OF COMPLEX CHOICES, FROM FINDING PARKING TO CHOOSING WHERE TO EAT. BUT BIG CITIES ALSO HAVE FEWER PLACES FOR WATER TO DRAIN AFTER A SEVERE WEATHER EVENT, WHICH INCREASES THEIR RISK OF FLASH FLOODING. ASK YOUR INSURANCE AGENT ABOUT YOUR METROPOLITAN FLOOD RISK. FLOOD INSURANCE PROVIDES PEACE OF MIND SO YOU’LL HAVE ONE LESS THING TO WORRY ABOUT AFTER A SEVERE STORM.
SOUNDBITE #2:
TOWNS, CITIES AND THEIR SUBURBS HAVE HIDDEN FLOOD RISKS THAT CAN PUT YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS IN DANGER. THIS LEAVES METROPOLITAN AREA RESIDENTS VULNERABLE TO FLOODING AFTER HEAVY PERIODS OF RAIN. DON’T WAIT UNITL IT’S TOO LATE TO SECURE FLOOD INSURANCE, AS POLICIES TYPICALLY TAKE 30 DAYS TO GO INTO EFFECT.
For more information, visit floodsmart.gov/Chicago, floodsmart.gov/Detroit, floodsmart.gov/Philly or floodsmart.gov/DMV.