Flooding is a recurring risk for the 51,867 residents in the coastal St. Mary Parish – nicknamed the “Gulf Coast Highway.” Hurricanes, tropical systems, levee failures, sudden heavy rainfall and flash flooding have historically caused millions of dollars in flood damage to this area. 
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita were two of the most costly and damaging storms in U.S. history. With flood insured damages totaling nearly $13 billion throughout the state, over $11 million of the damages were in St. Mary Parish alone. 
ST. MARY PARISH FLOOD FACTS 
(Source: National Flood Insurance Program)
Flooding costs St. Mary. Since 1978, insured flood losses in St. Mary totaled more than $21 million. 
More St. Mary Parish residents are flood insured. Policies have increased 15 percent in the past year, to 6,040 as of June 2007.
However, 68 percent of St. Mary Parish households remain at financial risk. There are more than 19,000 households in St. Mary and only 6,040 flood insurance policies in effect.
Insured St. Mary Parish residents need to maintain coverage. In St. Mary Parish, approximately 1,570 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.

St. Mary Parish Flood Fact Sheet