(Tuesday, September 12, 2023) – September is National Preparedness Month, and FEMA is urging residents to understand their flood risk and take action now. Since severe weather and storms are becoming more frequent and unpredictable, residents should know that flooding can occur no matter how far they live from a body of water.

While residents may not live in an area known for flooding, 99% of all counties have experienced a flooding event since 1996. About 40% of flood claims occur outside high-risk zones, and when the storms roll in, it’s a race against time. Just one inch of water can cause roughly $25,000 of damage to your home.

Flood insurance can best protect homes from financial damage, but it’s not the only solution. There are low and no-cost flood loss prevention measures that residents can take to ensure that their homes are prepared for the risk of flooding.

For an easy win, Victoria Salinas explains that residents just need to remember the acronym, “SET.”

SOUNDBITE #1:

FEMA IS ENCOURAGING RESIDENTS TO UNDERSTAND THEIR FLOOD RISK DURING NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH. FOR LOW AND NO-COST MITIGATION ACTIONS, RESIDENTS SHOULD REMEMBER THE ACRONYM, “SET”. STORE DOCUMENTS IN A SAFE PLACE, ELEVATE ITEMS OFF THE GROUND AND TOSS OUT ANY DEBRIS FROM GUTTERS AND DRAINS TO ENSURE YOUR HOME IS PREPARED.

SOUNDBITE #2:

FLOOD INSURANCE IS THE BEST WAY TO PROTECT YOUR HOME FROM THE FINANCIAL IMPACT AND EMOTIONAL TOLL THAT FLOODING CAUSES. BUT IT’S NOT THE ONLY OPTION. RESIDENTS SHOULD REMEMBER THE LETTERS
“S,” “E,” AND “T.” BY STORING DOCUMENTS IN A SAFE PLACE, ELEVATING ITEMS OFF THE GROUND AND TOSSING OUT ANY DEBRIS FROM GUTTERS AND DRAINS, YOU CAN BETTER PROTECT YOUR HOME FROM FLOODING.

For more information, visit floodsmart.gov/SET