KNOW YOUR FLOOD RISK AND TAKE ACTION BEFORE PEAK HURRICANE SEASON

(Washington, D.C., Monday, August 7, 2023) – With peak hurricane season quickly approaching, FEMA is urging residents to understand their flood risk and to take action.

Last year’s Atlantic hurricane season was the third costliest on record. As residents face unpredictable storms this year, flood insurance can help to provide a little peace of mind. The key is not to wait until a flood happens, but instead to act now.

Jeff Jackson, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Federal Insurance at FEMA, explains what residents can do right now.

SOUNDBITE #1:

IT TAKES ONLY ONE INCH OF WATER TO CAUSE ROUGHLY TWENTY-FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS IN DAMAGE TO YOUR HOME. PURCHASING A FLOOD INSURANCE POLICY CAN HELP YOU RECOVER QUICKLY AND IT’S THE BEST WAY TO PROTECT THE LIFE YOU’VE BUILT.

SOUNDBITE #2:

IT’S IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND YOUR FLOOD RISK DURING HURRICANE SEASON. MOST HOMEOWNERS AND RENTERS INSURANCE POLICIES DO NOT COVER FLOOD DAMAGE, SO IT’S IMPORTANT TO PURCHASE A SEPARATE FLOOD INSURANCE POLICY. SINCE MOST POLICIES TYPICALLY TAKE ABOUT THIRTY DAYS TO GO INTO EFFECT, CALL YOUR INSURANCE AGENT TO ENSURE THAT YOU’RE PROTECTED.

To learn more visit http://www.floodsmart.gov/hurricanes.