(Washington D.C., Tuesday, August 30, 2022) – Larger and more destructive wildfires are on the rise across the United States. These fires leave the ground charred, barren, and unable to absorb water, so it only takes a little rain to cause a flash flood or mudflow. Residents in Western states such as Colorado, Montana, Wyoming and Utah need to understand that their flood risk increases until vegetation is restored, which may take years to occur after a wildfire.

Having a flood insurance policy is vital for residents to protect their homes and businesses when flooding occurs after a wildfire, as most homeowners and renters insurance does not cover flood damage. Since flood insurance policies typically take 30 days to go into effect, residents should act now and call their insurance agent.

Mark Shugart, Floodplain Management & Insurance Branch Chief with FEMA, explains what residents in Western states can do right now.

SOUNDBITE #1:

MOUNTAIN STATES CONTINUE TO EXPERIENCE RECORD-BREAKING WILDFIRES AT ALARMING RATES. BUT DID YOU KNOW THERE IS STILL ANOTHER RISK TO YOUR COMMUNITY AFTER THE FIRE IS OUT.  THE RISK OF FLASH FLOODING IN BURN SCAR AREAS IS MORE SEVERE AND CAN LAST FOR YEARS AFTER A WILDFIRE. PROTECT THE LIFE YOU’VE BUILT WITH FLOOD INSURANCE.

SOUNDBITE #2:

DID YOU KNOW WILDFIRES DRAMATICALLY ALTER THE TERRAIN AND INCREASE THE RISK OF FLOODS? EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF RAINFALL CAN HAPPEN THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. JUST ONE INCH OF FLOODING IN YOUR HOME CAN CAUSE ROUGHLY TWENTY FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS IN DAMAGE. PURCHASING A FLOOD INSURANCE POLICY IS THE BEST WAY TO BE READY FOR WHAT COMES NEXT.

For more information, visit http://www.floodsmart.gov/wildfires.