(Washington D.C., Tuesday, January 23, 2024) – Wider spread and more destructive wildfires are on the rise in the United States. These leave the ground charred, barren and unable to absorb water, making it so that it takes only a little rain to cause a flood or mudflow. Residents in states such as New Mexico, Arizona, California, Idaho, Oregon and Washington need to understand that their flood risk increases until vegetation is restored, which can take up to 5 years after a wildfire.

Having a flood insurance policy is vital for residents to protect their homes when flooding occurs after a wildfire, and most homeowners and renters insurance does not cover flood damage.

Jeff Jackson, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Federal Insurance at FEMA explains how residents can protect their homes now.

SOUNDBITE #1:

ON THE WEST COAST, THERE’S NO LONGER A WILDFIRE SEASON— WILDFIRES ARE NOW YEAR-ROUND. AND DAMAGE CAN BE MADE WORSE BY FLOODING. AFTER A WILDFIRE, THE POTENTIAL OF FLOODING SKYROCKETS AND THAT RISK CAN LAST UP TO 5 YEARS AFTER A WILDFIRE. PROTECT THE LIFE YOU’VE BUILT WITH FLOOD INSURANCE.

SOUNDBITE #2:

AFTER A WILDFIRE, IT’S IMPORTANT TO KNOW THAT THE CHARRED GROUND CAN PREVENT WATER FROM BEING ABSORBED, SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASING THE RISK OF FLOODING. EVEN LIGHT RAIN ON BURNED TERRAIN CAN TURN INTO A FLOOD OR MUDFLOW. FLOOD INSURANCE PROVIDES YOU WITH THE PROTECTION YOU NEED TO RECOVER FASTER AND MORE FULLY FROM FLOODING AFTER A WILDFIRE.

 

For more information, visit floodsmart.gov/wildfires.