Flooding is a recurring risk for the 184,524
residents in Calcasieu Parish—with thirty-two percent of the parish considered a floodplain, and most of the area at or below sea level—hurricanes, tropical systems, levee failures, sudden heavy rainfall and flash flooding have historically caused millions of dollars in flood damage. 
Hurricane Rita, one of the most costly and damaging storms in U.S. history, hit the parish during the peak of the 2005 hurricane season.  A 15-foot storm surge and 11 inches of rain caused extensive flood damage throughout the parish.  Flood insured damages totaled $31 million in Calcasieu Parish alone.  
CALCASIEU PARISH FLOOD FACTS 
(Source: National Flood Insurance Program)
Flooding costs Calcasieu Parish. Since 1978, insured flood losses in Calcasieu Parish totaled more than $69.2 million. 
More Calcasieu Parish residents are flood insured. Policies have increased nearly 25 percent in the past year, to 12,765 as of June 2007.
However, 80 percent of Calcasieu households remain at financial risk. There are more than 68,000 households in Calcasieu Parish and only 12,765 flood insurance policies in effect.
Insured Calcasieu Parish residents need to maintain coverage.  In Calcasieu, approximately 3,700 flood insurance policies are expected to lapse from August - November 30, 2007. Residents need to keep their insurance policy current, to ensure they are covered during peak hurricane season.
BE FLOODSMART 
Tips for Parish residents to lower their flood risk: 
* Learn your flood risk. Find out your flood risk by entering your address at FloodSmart.gov “Assess Your Risk.” Insurance agents can provide more detailed information and insurance options.
* Purchase a flood insurance policy. Most homeowners insurance does not cover floods and there is typically a 30-day waiting period before a policy becomes effective. If you already have a flood policy, remember: it needs to be renewed each year.
* Move important objects and papers to a safe place.  Store your valuables where they can’t get damaged.
* Conduct a thorough home inventory. Thorough documentation of your belongings will help you file your flood insurance claim. For more information, visit www.knowyourstuff.org.
* Reduce your flood risk through home improvements. Visit FloodSmart.gov to learn about ways to lower the risk of sewer backup, basement flooding and other flood-related issues.
* Plan for evacuation. Plan and practice a flood evacuation route, ask someone out of state to be your “family contact” in an emergency, and ensure everyone knows the contact’s address and phone number.
* Build an emergency supply kit. Food, bottled water, first aid supplies, medicines and a battery-operated radio should be ready to go when you are. Visit www.ready.gov for a disaster supply checklist.

Calcasieu Parish Flood Fact Sheet