WINTER WEATHER PATTERNS MAY INCREASE RISKS FOR FLOODING

Flooding is the most common, costly, and deadly natural disaster in the United States. Floods are a year-round hazard which can be especially damaging in winter due to the onset of heavy seasonal rains and snowmelt. It is important that all families take steps to ensure they are prepared for possible flooding and to protect their homes and property from such an event.

Preparing for floods is important even for those not living in high-risk flood areas. Ninety percent of natural disasters in the U.S. involved flooding and about 20 percent of flood damage occurs in moderate-to low-risk areas. Although this winter has not yet proven to be as severe as past years, the coming months can bring about a range of conditions across the country. Areas that receive less snow and rain this winter season may later experience drought-like conditions that, when it does rain, can lead to flash flooding. The onset of seasonal rains and snowmelt can also lead to flooding.

Once again, FEMA is partnering with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for Flood Safety Awareness Week (March 12-16, 2012) to educate people about their flood risk, to provide information on the financial costs of flooding, purchasing a flood insurance policy, and recovery from a flood. FEMA encourages citizens to learn the unique flood risks associated with winter weather, and prepare now with an emergency plan, which may include purchasing flood insurance to protect property and possessions from flood damage.

There are simple steps that citizens can take to address these risks. These include having an emergency supply kit with items such as non-perishable food, water, and a flashlight with batteries, knowing your evacuation route, and establishing a family emergency plan that considers your insurance coverage, especially flood insurance.

Anyone can visit Ready.gov and Floodsmart.gov for helpful tips on how to prepare for the risks associated with flooding and other hazards.

• Learn your flood risk.

It is important to take steps to prepare for heightened risks, and know what to do when flooding becomes a threat.

• Flood Watch: tune into NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio or television for the latest information.
• Flash Flood Watch: same as a flood watch, but also be prepared to move to higher ground.
• Flood Warning: flooding is occurring or will occur soon. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.

• Flash Flood Warning: seek higher ground on foot immediately, because a flash flood is occurring.

• Protect your property by purchasing a flood insurance policy.

• Flood insurance is affordable, and can start as low as $129 a year. Most homeowners and renters mistakenly believe that their homeowners/renters’ insurance covers damage or losses from flooding. Only flood insurance financially protects properties from flooding, the nation’s most common and costly natural disaster.
• Just a couple inches of water can cause thousands in damages; a flood insurance policy provides financial protection against all flood damage. Between 2006 and 2010, the average flood claim was nearly $34,000. That’s more than many survivors can afford to pay out of pocket for damages due to flooding.
• It typically takes 30 days for a new flood insurance policy to take effect, so residents should not wait for a storm to strike before purchasing coverage. The time to get protected is now.
• Individuals can learn more about flood risk, their options for insurance coverage, and finding an insurance agent nearby at FloodSmart.gov or by calling 1-800-427-2419. With federally backed flood insurance, citizens have an important financial safety net to help cover costs to repair or rebuild if a flood should strike.

• Make a flood plan. Itemize and take pictures of possessions, and keep important papers in a safe, waterproof place. Also, build an emergency supply kit with non-perishable food, water, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra flashlights and batteries.

• Know your evacuation plan. Know the evacuation routes, and make a family plan that includes a meeting place and out of town contact. Learn more about family preparedness at Ready.gov.

“When it comes to reducing our vulnerability to natural disasters, the whole community has a role to play, and that includes individual citizens,” said David Miller, associate administrator for FEMA’s Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration. “One of the most critical ways residents can protect their homes and businesses from the severe weather that causes flooding is by obtaining flood insurance.”

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FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

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