Flooding is a recurring risk for the 109,348 residents in Terrebonne Parish. More than 90 percent of the parish is wetlands, making storm surges devastating. And as the gulf inches closer to the coast of Terrebonne, there are no barriers to slow hurricanes from ravaging the coast, leaving more destruction farther inland than ever before. 

Hurricanes, tropical systems, levee failures, sudden heavy rainfall and flash flooding have historically caused millions of dollars in flood damage to this area. 

Terrebonne Parish was declared a federal disaster area twice within 30 days during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. With flood insured damages totaling nearly $13 billion throughout the state, over $100 million in damages came from Terrebonne Parish alone.

TERREBONNE PARISH FLOOD FACTS 
(Source: National Flood Insurance Program)
Flooding costs Terrebonne Parish. Since 1978, insured flood losses in the Parish totaled more than $202.3 million. 
More Terrebonne Parish residents are flood insured. Policies have increased 10 percent in the past year, to 18,750 as of June 2007.
However, 46 percent of Terrebonne Parish households remain at financial risk. There are over 35,000 households in Terrebonne Parish and only 18,750 flood insurance policies in effect.
Insured Terrebonne Parish residents need to maintain coverage. In Terrebonne Parish, approximately 4,700 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.

Terrebonne Parish Flood Fact Sheet